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Patients at Good Hope Hospital can now receive faster and more efficient liver assessments, with the introduction of a new fibroscan machine.

A fibroscan is a type of ultrasound to measure inflammation in your liver. It helps your doctor to understand how much scarring (fibrosis) is in your liver and plan your treatment. The device is especially useful in diagnosing and monitoring chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis.

The non-invasive device enables consultants to assess liver health during a patient’s first outpatient appointment, streamlining care and significantly reducing waiting times.

Previously, liver referrals at Good Hope Hospital required multiple appointments. A patient would first see a gastroenterology or hepatology consultant, and if further investigation was needed, they would be referred to Heartlands Hospital for a fibroscan. This meant returning for a third follow-up appointment to discuss the results; an inconvenient process for patients.

Now, when patients come in for their initial consultation, clinicians can perform the diagnostic scan immediately and often reach a conclusion in the same visit.

The new setup also means fewer follow-up appointments, which not only benefits patients but helps reduce waiting lists.

The fibroscan assesses liver stiffness and fat content and offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional liver biopsies. Like an ultrasound scan for a baby, it uses ultrasound-based technology to detect signs of liver disease, without the need for invasive procedures or lab histology.

Many patients who would otherwise need a biopsy can now avoid that process altogether.

Between March and June this year, over 100 patients have benefitted from being able to undergo the procedure closer to home.

Mr Nasir Mir, Gastroenterology Consultant, said: “Liver disease is indeed a significant health challenge in UK, and having an effective tool like fibroscan at Good Hope Hospital is crucial in managing and screening our patients.

“This will remain an effective tool to optimise our care and service development by early detection and prompt intervention to improve outcomes.”