Cirrhosis

Overview

Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver malfunctions due to chronic injury, and scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue.

There are multiple possible causes of cirrhosis. Examples include alcohol-related liver disease, hepatitis C, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis, and some inherited diseases.

Many people with cirrhosis have no early symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include weakness, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Cirrhosis treatments try to stop the progression of scar tissue and further complications. Treatments may include the avoidance of alcohol and drugs, and nutrition therapy.

Applicable Procedures

Liver Biopsy

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There are multiple causes of cirrhosis of the liver. These include long term alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, iron buildup in the body, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, immune conditions, issues with bile ducts, genetic disorders, infections, and certain medications. Chronic hepatitis is a risk factor for cirrhosis, and it is actually one of the top causes of liver disease. Being obese and consuming excessive amounts of alcohol also increase your risk of cirrhosis.

How is cirrhosis of the liver treated?

The aim of treatment for cirrhosis is to slow the progression of the condition and treat complications of the disease. If caught early, treating underlying causes can prevent further damage to the liver. For example, treatment for alcohol abuse can reduce toxic effects on the liver. Those who are overweight can improve their liver health by following a healthier diet to control weight and reduce the effects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Some people may also need medications to treat underlying health conditions, like hepatitis, to reduce the risk of further liver damage. Others may require medications to treat infections, fluid buildup, or accumulation of toxins. In advanced stages of cirrhosis, the only treatment option is a liver transplant from a healthy donor.

What are the complications of cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis can lead to a variety of complications, including portal hypertension, which is high blood pressure in veins responsible for supplying blood to the liver. Portal hypertension can cause swelling in the legs and stomach, enlarged spleen, and severe bleeding. Other complications of cirrhosis include infections, malnutrition, bone disease, increased cancer risk, and a condition called jaundice, which causes eyes and skin to appear yellow. In some cases, a liver that is damaged by cirrhosis cannot clear toxins effectively, which causes them to build up in the brain, leading to confusion, concentration problems, and even coma.

Common Symptoms

“I started to feel extremely tired, and I noticed that I was bruising easily and had no appetite.”
“I noticed changes to my appearance, such as yellowing of my skin, spider like blood vessels, redness on my palms, and swelling in my legs. I was also itchy all the time.”
“In addition to losing my appetite and dropping weight, I felt nauseous, and my stomach was swollen.”

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6246 reviews

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jon M.

Everyone is very friendly. The entire staff made sure to answer all my questions and made sure I understood everything.

Wendy W.

Noelle, the PA, was caring and took the time to listen and help with the issues that brought me in.

Mary B.

Dr. Wille was clear in informing me about the procedure he would perform. Moreover, he was attentive to my description of my recent medical issues in mouth and esophagus which are relevant to his work. His answers were clear and reassuring.

Tamara T.

Overall experience with this physician and group was exceptional. Timeliness of appointment and scheduling was flexible and an unexpected work conflict requiring a reschedule was easily accommodated. Checking in and intake were low key and the two women I worked with helped me relax. I was treated respectfully and kindly by all care extenders and the physician. Follow up call in the afternoon was appreciated. “Senior pix” are not fun - having a great group to work with made it far easier.

Colleen K.

Had a great experience with Digestive health from the time I booked my appointment until the procedure. The doctor was very professional and would recommend this office to family & friends !!

Elaine Z.

Everyone was kind and friendly. They explained everything every step of the way. I felt very comfortable and confident that things would go smooth and quickly. I would highly recommend Center for Digestive Health. The staff was awesome!!

David W.

Excellent facility and staff. Dr Quallich is the best.

Sue T.

They kept things moving and they always respected my privacy

Bill G.

I think doctor Balogna is an excellent doctor. Everything went very well!

Mary C.

Everyone is thoughtful and considerate from the front desk to the nursing staff. Dr. Donat is thorough and very kind.

Ellene B.

Caring, kind and professional! Excellent care!

Andrea C.

The entire staff was amazing. From Checking in to walking out after my procedure everyone was kind, attentive, efficient and respectful. I would highly recommend!

Jessica P.

Extremely friendly and calm staff from the front desk to nurses to techs and doctors. The process was streamlined and efficient. I cannot stress enough how kind everyone was. This was my first procedure and I was quite nervous. I was quickly comforted by the calm and caring team at CDH. Everything went so smoothly. After my procedure they called me at home to check on me. Was surprised and pleased. Thanks again. Service like this is pretty rare these days! 🙂

jlain1208

Showed a little early. Swooped into a room quickly and saw the doctor within 10 mins. Overall a very pleasant visit.

Michael S.

All but the scheduling, my colonoscopy wastimely, clean and on time. Total process from arrival to departure was 75 minutes. Thanks for your efficiency.

Betty F.

Everyone was friendly and considerate of my care. They got me in promptly for my procedure.

Martha H.

Drs are great,caring and sit and ask you questions, good experience and staff is friendly and helpful!

B M.

The staff was friendly and helpful. The communication prior to the procedure was outstanding and informative.

Robert S.

"I can't speak highly enough about the Centers of Digestive Health. From the moment I walked in, I felt genuinely cared for by the incredible staff. Dr. Abadir is a brilliant, compassionate physician who listened attentively and took the time to explain my treatment options clearly. Nicolette was equally outstanding, providing exceptional support and ensuring I was comfortable throughout the process. Their teamwork and dedication made all the difference in my care. If you're looking for top-notch digestive health specialists, look no further. Highly recommended!"

John D.

Every one was very friendly, I was seen on time and doctor Saeed was well prepared. This was my first visit and she had researched my record and was able to discuss my problem intelligently and was very pleasant .

Anita K.

The staff and Dr. Bakken were courteous and friendly. I will definitely recommend to others.

Joni B.

I can’t say enough good things about them. Always very helpful a nice.

Alexandrea H.

Dr. Bologna and his entire staff are total pros. Highly recommend!

Sandra L.

Friendly, professional and informative.

CE U.

On time and very efficient

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6251 reviews

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Renee G.

Have been a patient of Dr. Weber for many years. He also took great care of my mom. The staff are extremely helpful and caring. Look no further for this very necessary medical care facility.

Kenneth S.

The whole experience was great. Everyone was very kind and friendly and most importantly very experienced in all aspects of the procedure.

Jeanne D.

I was very nervous to have a scope done, but Dr. Weber and his team made me feel much better. Even a joke or two.

Ginny G.

My husband had a good experience for his colonoscopy. Dr. Bolgna explained to him his diagnosis. The staff thru his procedure from beginning to end was great. The only thing we were concerned about is the prep he took the day before did not work like the other times previous. He started prep and nothing until approx 1:30 am the next morning. Even then he did not seem to empty his bowels. So around 11:30 pm I contacted every number on the forms and could not get an answer if he should cancel procedure. The answering services and 800 number had no answee for us and they mentioned they could not leave a message even to the on call doctor unless it was an emergency. It was not an emergency but did need to know if we should cancell procedure for 6:15 am the following morning. Finally, I called back and asked the answering service girl if she could get a hold of a manager and have them contact the on call physician. A physician finally called and just said to wait that the prep might start working soon, which it never really did. A better solution needs to be implemented for patients when a situation like this arises. The phone numbers given were honestly not of any help especially with just wanting a simple answer. Overall, the facility where procedure was done and staff was great.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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