In questo ambulatorio si esegue la prestazione del Fibroscan
Che cos’è e a che cosa serve il Fibroscan?
L’elastometria epatica ad impulsi o FibroScan è una metodica non invasiva che valuta la “rigidità del fegato”, indice indiretto della fibrosi epatica. Pertanto questo esame fornisce al medico una informazione importante riguardo l’evoluzione della malattia di fegato (es. in pazienti con diagnosi di epatite cronica B, C, etc.) necessaria per prendere eventuali decisioni terapeutiche.
Come si esegue?
La procedura è assimilabile ad una ecografia epatica poiché utilizza gli ultrasuoni. Il paziente deve essere a digiuno. L’elastometria epatica è un esame indolore per il paziente, facile e veloce da eseguire. Il risultato dell’esame è disponibile immediatamente.
Quanto dura?
Richiede circa cinque minuti di tempo.
La prestazione, prenotabile presso i nostri sportelli Cup, verrà eseguita presso il Padiglione centrale, primo piano, ambulatorio Consulenze
Mercoledì:
pomeriggio:
14,30 – 17,30
Informative
Hepatic Ultrasound Elastography or Fibroscan
Fibroscan is performed at L. Spallanzani outpatients’ facilities, in Room n. 10, on:
Wednesday:14.30- 17.50 PM.
Outpatients who wish to avoid waiting lists have the ability to pay a specialist. The doctor receives in the afternoons of Tuesday and Thursday.
Bookings: medical centre’s front offices (CUP) or via telephone Recup 06.99.39.
What is Fibroscan and why is useful?
Fibroscan is a technique used to measure hepatic fibrosis in a totally non-invasive and painless manner, with no risks for the patient. It’s a simple test performed in the outpatient ambulatory that assesses liver fibrosis by measuring liver stiffness. Fibroscan to assess liver fibrosis stage should be performed in people suspected of having liver disease due to any of the following conditions:
- Obesity or diabetes-related liver disease known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD);
- Alcohol – related liver disease;
- Hepatitis C or Hepatitis B virus;
- Other types of chronic liver disease such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, haemochromatosis or unexplained persistently raised liver test results.
The Fibroscan is a very useful diagnostic tool for a hepatologist to accurately identify patients with significant liver disease — allowing treatment to be tailored to the individuals need.
Examination process:
A probe is placed on the skin’s surface. Using a combination of elastic wave (generated by a mechanical pulse) and ultrasound technology, a numerical value is recorded. The stiffer the liver, the higher the value. The degree of stiffness of the liver is an indicator of the damage, from whatever cause. The test is painless and normally takes up to 15 minutes to complete.
Preparations:
A GP request form must be received to perform the test;
Access to the right abdominal area is required, so the patient does not need to undress;
Patients must not eat or drink for 3 hours prior to the Fibroscan.
Please note: it is very difficult to gather complete accuracy if the patient has a waistline measuring more than 100cm. Fibroscan should not be used on patients with ascites, patients who are pregnant, who have implanted devices or under the age of 18 years.
Informative:
- Procedure for Fibroscan request
- Notes on Hepatic Ultrasound Elastography or Fibroscan
- Informative for General Practitioner (GP)
- Informative for Specialists