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 6227 reviews

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Mary S.

Dr.Willie and his staff are wonderful. My procedure went.well. All my questions were addressed. I felt very comfortable in the procedure room.

Lee M.

Professional, compassionate and workers had great attitudes

Renna G.

On schedule and Dr Wille always is caring and listening to me as a patient.

Kelly R.

I have seen many Gastro Dr's in my life, but Dr. Bolonga and his stafg have been the best so far. I feel like im finally getting some way over due answers to stomach problems I have had for ove half my life now. Thank you so much to Dr. Bolonga and staff for all your help sooo far. Kelly

email S.

Great staff. My colitis is much better.

Linda A.

Enjoyed how quick the process went. Very professional.

Neil H.

Our whole family have been patients of the Center for many years and have enjoyed the service and attention we receive. The operation runs like a well-oiled machine and the doctors and nurses are extremely helpful in explaning our procedures and answering any questions we might have.

Susan J.

Everyone one was so kind.. try all made you feel like you were a part of their family.. everything went well and I was fine before I knew it.. thank you to everyone.. Susan 😉

Audrey B.

The office staff and clinical staff were all very friendly, Doctor was friendly. The check-in process was professional and efficient. Communication about the prep involved with a colonoscopy was great- I did not feel confused on what to do or when to start because instructions were clear and presented in advance.

Linda B.

Nice staff and very professional.

Dave A.

Great staff and location

Jeffrey S.

The staff was very nice and professional, I was really impressed with how comfortable and knowledgeable they were.

Jeff H.

No one looks forward to a colonoscopy but the staff and doctors did a great job making the procedure as easy as possible. Everyone was caring and compassionate and concerned about my wellbeing.

Cheryl O.

I do not usually take the time to leave a review, unless I receive exceptional service, either good or bad. Well my experience yesterday was praise worthy!! Check in was quick, I was treated wonderfully throughout! The facility is exceptionally clean and the entire staff is caring and professional!!

Gerald L.

Dr. Willie was awesome. Professional and thorough and my procedure was done in 20 mins.

Jere R.

Professional. Took time to listen to my challenges. Highly recommend.

LuCritia B.

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

George T.

Very professional and very caring of their patients wellbeing, during and after the procedure.

Martha S.

Great experience in having a colonoscopy (if that is possible!). Dr Qualich is great

The J.

This was my first Colonoscopy. I experienced a first class experience start to finish. After walking me through and finishing the prep phase, I was greeted by staff the day of the procedure and finished within two hours. Thank you all again for this positive experience.

Patti S.

My visit went smoothly, quickly and professionally. I urged you not to judge the office by the reception area which is greatly in need of a renovation. The remainder of the office is modern and professional.

Richard F.

These people really have their act together. Everyone was very friendly and professional. I felt very comfortable being in their care.

Sharon S.

Best colonoscopy in town!

Michael C.

The doctors and nurses were very kind and very efficient. My procedure was done professionally and very easy for me. I would recommend Dr. Bologna and his staff for anyone with lnternal gastro needs or problems.

Kathryn K.

Staff explained all information provided and made sure that I understood what was provided to me.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6232 reviews

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Michele R.

Dr. Wille thoroughly explained the procedure I needed to have done .

Cathy W.

From the pleasant staff to the wonderful and understanding Dr. Saeed ,I felt that my concerns and questions were heard and professionally answered. I would highly recommend using the Troy Center for Digestive Health.

Dorinda M.

Super nice staff! Very professional and everyone had a smile!

Barbara F.

Very caring and professional practice.

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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