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 6264 reviews

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Kami J.

Everyone was great. They made me feel very comfortable and at ease. Dr. Bakken was absolutely amazing.

LuCritia B.

Everyone from the time I checked in to the time I left was so helpful. Again thank you all so very much.

Madeline

Physician’s Assistant was very helpful and knowledgeable! Office staff made you feel welcome too!

Frederick S.

Great experience as always from the Doctors, PA and staff

Dvorah N.

First time at this facility in Macomb. I always go to the center in Troy. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. I was taken in a very timely manner for the procedure. Everyone was accommodating with my concerns and questions prior and following the procedure. It was an unexpected pleasant experience overall.

Renee D.

Very convenient location. They were on time and I appreciated it since I was starving! The nurses and Phil B. absolutely awesome! Professional, friendly, positive and I loved my physician who performed the procedure. I will go back as necessary and refer to friends and family without a doubt!

Brittany T.

Took me immediately, didn't have to wait. Dr came in pretty quickly after I saw the nurse. Took my concerns seriously and scheduled my procedure within 2 weeks.

Janice D.

Entire team friendly and helpful. Wait time to see Dr. Quallich was excellent. Dr. Quallich is a wonderful doctor. He spends the time needed to be sure you understand him and if you have any questions.

Gwen S.

All went smoothly, appointment was on time, staff cordial, office clean

John R. W.

Everyone was efficient and incredibly nice. Dr. Wille was very personable and professional. Thanks to everyone there for making it a good experience.

Robert H.

I've been through a number of medical procedures in my 70 years but this is my first time I can honestly say your staff is easily the most friendly and professional group I've experienced. Thank you to everyone.

Brenda S.

There very pleasant, caring group of people..I injoyed talking with the Dr.

Tom and Diane R.

Everyone there were every nice and helpful. Also Dr. Willie greeted me with a handshake and smile, which made me relax even more. Thank You again for making my time you go by fast. Tom Rakowski

Richard W.

I have been a patient of Dr Bologna for over 10 years and multiple procedures. I always appreciate both the time he spends with me and how thorough when going over the results. He also has the some of the most compassionate and kind staff when going through these procedures.

Sheela

The staff was professional kind and caring

chris C.

From being greeted at the Reception area, all the Nurses and Dr. Sante Bologna my experience was excellent. I have been going every 5 years and my experience is always professional and friendly.

Diane F.

Dr. Bakken in very professional, answers questions, and makes you feel very comfortable. She is the best.

Terri S.

Very nice facility with friendly, efficient staff.

Ravi B.

The pdf directions were clear step by step. The pre calls and adding Endoscopy with my primary care doctor’s phone call was flexible and able get it done Colonoscopy and Endoscopy at the same time and on time was excellent. Post service calls are nice. Like the remainders a few days before and on the night before the procedure. The staff was friendly, professional, on time, courteous and painless procedure. Dr. Desai was energetic and encouraging before and after the procedure, explaining some details, indicating a follow up and provided a brief color report, which was nice. Overall, nice place and nice atmosphere and highly recommenced. Thanks

Kimber B.

Dr Weber is excellent - I highly recommend him. Very knowledgeable and great bed side manner.

Curated C.

Excellent customer service! Went for my first colonoscopy and they made it a comforting experience. Everyone was nice and thorough and very supportive. I will go back again!

Robert N.

Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable staff.

Sandra T.

I recently had a colonoscopy performed by Dr. Donat at the Center for Digestive Health in Troy and I was very impressed with the staff, nurses and Dr. Donat. My procedure was painless and I was treated so kindly and I was very comfortable. After the procedure I was given a copy of the pictures of my colon explaining what the Dr. performed and he did come to me in the recovery room and explained everything, leaving me very relieved and informed. The nurses and Anesthesiologist were so kind and comforting. I would recommend this center to all my family and friends for all their surgical needs.

Don M.

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

Lewis M.

This office is one of the most professional establishments I have been to. Dr. Parthia S. Nandi , the nurses and staff are excellent.They explain everything to you where you can understand it and also give you comfort before and after the procedure. I recommend the Center for Digestive Health to everyone that is having a digestive procedure.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6269 reviews

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Nancy F.

Wonderful ,caring,informative and best of all...they make you feel special or better yet...MARVELOUS!! 😉

Dr. Willie was great and the entire experience from scheduling to prep to recovery was as pleasant as it could be. The entire staff is also very friendly and helpful.

bernard G.

Doctor was very knowledgeable and advised me what he thinks is the best treatment for me .

Dave G.

Professional, friendly, attentive. Just not enough positive adjectives to describe. Thanks

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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