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 6261 reviews

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Suzette G.

I was very pleased in how professional, friendly,compassionate and caring everyone was. I would highly recommend them, especially Dr Bakken. Thank you very much for all 5he care you have given me.

John W S.

Everyone here is incredibly kind and caring. I had some anxiety when I was preparing for my procedure, but it was done and over with before I had time to think about it. Dr. Donat is excellent, and takes time to explain everything.

Dottie D.

I trust Dr Nandi and his staff very much in taking care of me during the procedures I had. They are all super friendly which is very calming st a time like that. They all get a thumbs up!!!

Perry

I experienced a very friendly and professional administration and medical staff. The process was informative and fast. Thank you.

MIke B.

I couldn’t have had a better experience. The staff members were kind, polite and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend this office to anyone looking for great care.

michelle B.

Everyone there was so nice and made sure you understood everything that was going on, they all had smiles on there face and they made me laugh and feel very comfortable with being my first time having a procedure done there.

Pamela C.

Have been seeing Dr Baaken for years now for colonoscopies and to consult and treat my fatty liver disease. She is very thorough and takes time to fully explain things. I would highly recommend her.

steve C.

Everyone did a great job. Very efficient. This was my second colonoscopy with this medical group and would feel confident to return again.

G. C.

Well organized and every person explained what they were doing and why. It put me at ease

Shawn S.

My first time going in and I must say staff was awesome 2 thumbs up made me fill comfortable just all around great "thank you"

Paul H.

I was brought in for prep and everyone went out of their way to make me feel comfortable!

Tangela S.

The staff was friendly, professional and knowledgeable. I was seen in a timely manner. Dr. Bakken was kind and was willing to answer any of my questions and concerns. Following the procedure later the same day, I was contacted by the staff to see how I was feeling and if I needed anything or had any other questions or concerns.

James D.

Friendly staff, Doctor's were on time with the schedule.

Mary B.

Friendly people! Clean and organized. Highly recommend! They even followed up the next day to see how I was doing!

Uwannahd U.

Arrived a little early, they took me back on my appointment time. Staff from front desk to each nurse was fabulous! Recommend this location because of Dr. and staff! Thank you

Felicia E.

This is the second time we have had a procedure through this office. All of the personnel I dealt with were very professional and pleasant. The doctor updated me on the results timely. I would recommend them wholeheartedly.

Stephanie

If you have to go through a procedure like a colonoscopy there is no other place I would go to then The Center for Digestive Health. I love all of the caregivers. Thank you for getting me in quickly.

Dedee M.

Dr Bologna and his staff are wonderful. They were so quick and efficient and explained everything both before and after the procedure.

Albina G.

Excellent service

Don M.

Awesome staff and doctor. Couldn't be more pleased.

Jeffery R.

Staff was a pure pleasure to work with. Very professional.

Robert H.

I was a little late but when I got there they put me right thru. They were all very professional and polite. When it was over the Dr came in and explained what happened and what he did. Being handicapped it took me a little longer to get dressed and then they wheeled me out to my vehicle.

Kurt R.

From initial contact through post procedure care, Dr. Willie and his team are exceptional at patient care and education of the procedure being conducted, the pre-procedure prep, and results. This my second 10-year screening procedure with Dr. Willie and hope that he is still in practice 10 years from now for my next procedure. Well done and thank you!

Ted H.

They did a good job

Giuseppe E.

Very friendly staff very professional

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6266 reviews

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Tiffany K.

Doctor was professional, office is organized, great bedside manner and had a great team! Great nurse anesthetist too.

Joy

Efficient, friendly, it made that whole experience actually enjoyable.

Joan O.

Wonderful facility and excellent staff including front desk, assistants, RNs, CRNA and Dr. They made you, comfortable, warm. Skilled procedure such as IV, and sedation and colonoscopy done well and efficiently. Staff explained every step of the process. Could not have been more satisfied.

Debbie M.

Always professional and clean facilities. Roger was my pre-op nurse and was fantastic! Dr. Weber is exceptional. Wouldn't trust anyone else.

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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