From the Guidelines
Hepatologists are the specialists who primarily treat liver disease, and they offer the most specialized expertise for complex or severe liver conditions. They are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. While general gastroenterologists also treat liver conditions, hepatologists have additional specialized training specifically focused on liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, and liver failure. In some cases, patients with liver disease might also work with transplant surgeons if a liver transplant is needed. Primary care physicians often provide initial care and referrals, but for complex or severe liver conditions, a hepatologist offers the most specialized expertise, as noted in the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma in adults 1. This specialization is important because the liver performs over 500 vital functions in the body, and liver diseases can be complex, requiring specific knowledge and experience for optimal management.
Key Points
- Hepatologists have specialized training in liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, and liver failure.
- They work with other specialists, such as transplant surgeons, to provide comprehensive care for patients with liver disease.
- Primary care physicians often provide initial care and referrals, but hepatologists offer the most specialized expertise for complex or severe liver conditions.
- The British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma in adults recommend a multidisciplinary approach to care, including hepatologists, liver surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, palliative care physicians, and clinical nurse specialists 1.
- The American Gastroenterological Association has also emphasized the importance of a unified, international public health response to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which are rapidly becoming the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide 1.
Recommendations
- Patients with complex or severe liver conditions should be referred to a hepatologist for specialized care.
- A multidisciplinary approach to care, including hepatologists and other specialists, is recommended for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and other complex liver conditions.
- Primary care physicians should be aware of the importance of referring patients with liver disease to hepatologists for specialized care, as noted in the society for maternal-fetal medicine consult series on hepatitis C in pregnancy 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Liver Disease Specialists
The type of specialist that deals with the liver and treats liver disease includes:
- Hepatologists: They are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of liver diseases and disorders [ 2 ].
- Gastroenterologists: They are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders of the digestive system, including the liver [ 2 ].
Role of Hepatologists and Gastroenterologists
Hepatologists and gastroenterologists play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases, including:
- Diagnosing and treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and other liver diseases [ 2 ].
- Managing patients with liver disease, including those with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [ 3, 4 ].
- Providing longitudinal care to optimize and preserve liver function during and after treatment [ 4 ].
Other Specialists Involved in Liver Disease Management
Other specialists may also be involved in the management of liver disease, including: