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 6226 reviews

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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 .

Wendy B.

From the time I arrived until I left the staff and caregivers put me at ease. They were very professional and caring.

Sara H.

I felt heard, which was verified in the chart notes posted in my medical app .

David VanHemel & Marie V.

I have been seeing Dr. Bologna for various reasons over the course of the past 25 years. He is kind and takes time to listen to a detailed medical history, and in fact, wants to know the complete story of what is going on with my health. He is a great diagnostitian and I have highly recommended him to family and friends.

Lani F.

Very professional and organized

Annabanana

Love Dr. Wille. He's very knowledgable and has a great bed-side manner.

Tracy T.

I was very nervous but Dr. Bologna was very caring and put my mind at ease. Staff were very nice.

Debbie M.

Dr Donat is Amazing. Very well educated and knowledgeable about digestive issues and difficult cases. The staff is great. The only concern is that during a procedure under anesthesia the nurse made me keep my face mask on through the procedure. In my opinion the nurse needs a clear visual of the patients face, mouth, and nose for proper monitoring. That’s basic first aid 101.

Joseph B.

My experience has been great,I feel like a new man no more running to the restroom or stomach pain. I can’t thank Dr.Webber and his staff enough for putting an end to pain and discomfort and keeping me pain free for 2 years.

Salah S.

The best doctor ( dr. Nandi my doctor ) and also the best staff everyone super nice and doing there job greatly I been with them over 10 years and I’m very happy

Anne R.

Our first visit with Dr Wille was a good one. He is pleasant, reassuring and calming. Gave us good advise. Staff was very helpful

Helen G.

The office was further for me to drive, but was glad I was able to see Dr. Willie due to a cancelation. Dr Will is a good doctor that listens and is very thorough.

Olaf K.

I was able to schedule my CT scan on a short notice for the same week. Unfortunately it was a cash only procedure - which is on the insurance - but the price was considerable less than at Corewell. The facility was uncrowded and the result was available the same day.

Michelle K.

Noelle was great to talk to.

Thomas G.

Procedure was on time. Friendly staff and DR explained results.

Greg G.

One of the very few doctors office where everybody is pleasant and knowledgeable and concerned!

1 of the L.

friendly staff good experience

Gary C.

Staff was very friendly and professional . Facility was extremely clean . Overall process/ procedure was executed efficiently.

Debi W.

Dr. Quallich is a wonderful person! I've been with him for over 10 yrs. now. He has always treated me with respect, is very thorough and has a great bed side manner. I highly recomend him to anyone that is looking for a doctor. The staff is always pleasant as well.

Kathy P.

Had a virtual visit with the PA Jennifer P. She was very pleasant, and knowledgeable. She address all of my concerns. Good experience.

N K.

Dr. Richard T. Wille, MD is amazing . Explain everything well take time with you. All staff Front desk and medical assistant are helpful and great. Highly recommend this office.

Nora B.

Everyone was very polite and interested in making you comfortable

Joseph M.

Staff made you feel comfortable / attentive during your experience

John H.

Dr Tocco performed an EGD. He was excellent in all respects. Additionally every staff member in the process was excellent. Would recommend.

Leeann P.

Have been going to Dr Bologna for several years now for my gastric issue and colonoscopy . The staff and Dr Bologna are great! Attentive and pleasant ! I would would definitely endorse his group without hesitation

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

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Linda S.

Everyone was great and very helpful . Dr Saeed excellent in explaining what we're doing and why

Katrina S.

I absolutely loved the staff and how they took the time to explain everything to me

Karen A.

Friendly staff. Great doctors

Pam P.

The nurses,doctor, and the anesthesiologist treated me very well. I was very comfortable with the procedure. Thank you all very much

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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