Fast track your treatment
To book an appointment or speak with one of our friendly team, please get in touch using the options below
If you are looking for a private liver specialist near you, our experts are ready and waiting to help you. Across our 50+ UK hospitals we have a network of talented consultants who can help you find the best treatment for your liver problems.
At Circle Health Group, we offer private hepatology consultations with no waiting lists, and you'll often find an appointment within 48 hours. Call or book online to arrange your initial consultation with a specialist of your choice at whichever of our private hospitals is most convenient for you.
We believe every person should be treated as an individual, and so every patient we see gets a personalised treatment plan built around their specific needs. Your treatment will be consultant led from start to finish, and they'll work hard to make sure you feel included and informed throughout.
Whether you have an existing condition or are looking for a diagnosis, our experienced liver specialists can help you to decide on the best treatment for you. And once you've decided on the right choice for you, we can get you booked in without delay, at a time and date that suits your schedule.
Don't wait for treatment. Go private with Circle Health Group and get fast access to the expert care you need.
Hepatology is the area of medicine concerning the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas, and the management of related disorders and conditions, which are often referred to collectively as liver disease. The doctors who specialise in this area are called hepatologists.
It is often the case that doctors will specialise in gastroenterology as well as hepatology, and for this reason our team of liver specialists consists of both consultant gastroenterologists and consultant hepatologists.
According to the British Liver Trust, more than 40 people die from liver disease every day in the UK. It is thought that 90% of deaths from liver disease are preventable, however liver conditions are sadly too often diagnosed in the late stages when it is too late to cure them using less invasive treatments.
At Circle Health Group, our experienced consultants are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of liver problems. We use the latest technology and a wide variety of diagnostic tests to investigate and diagnose your problems with your liver, biliary system and pancreas.
What causes liver disease?
The common causes of liver disease include obesity, the misuse of alcohol, or an undiagnosed hepatitis infection. In the early stages of most forms of liver disease, you might not experience any signs or symptoms. This means that they are often difficult to diagnose.
What are the symptoms of liver disease?
The signs of liver damage (also known as cirrhosis) include a loss of appetite, the loss of libido (sex drive), feeling constantly tired or weak, and yellow skin and sclera (the white part of your eyes). You might also experience nausea and vomiting. However, many people don't experience any of these symptoms until their liver disease is quite advanced.
At Circle Health Group, you can either pay directly for hepatology treatment, or you can use your private health insurance.
If you are paying for your own treatment, you can take advantage of our flexible payment options , which allow you to spread the cost of treatment over a fixed period. Many people find the monthly payments more affordable.
If you want to use your insurance to pay, speak directly to your provider to see if the treatment you need is covered by your policy. We work with all major insurers.
Most people who visit a hepatologist or other liver specialist do so because they have liver disease. There are many different types of liver disease, most of which can be avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD)
Also known as alcoholic liver disease (ALD), this is the term given to liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption. There are three main stages: alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis and cirrhosis. These stages are progressive, thought the stages can overlap.
There are not usually symptoms in the early stages, but ARLD is often indicated by lifestyle factors or in the results of routine blood tests. A liver biopsy can then be taken to confirm a diagnosis.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
This type of liver disease is caused by a buildup of fat in the liver and is usually seen in people who are overweight or obese. In the early stages, NAFLD is not usually dangerous, but gradually it can develop into cirrhosis.
Liver cancer
Cancer of the liver does not always have an obvious cause but it is more likely if you have a form of liver disease such as hepatitis or AFLD.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, and the most common causes are a viral infection or drinking alcohol to excess. Hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis and, in some cases, liver cancer.
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)
This is a form of liver disease that if left untreated can lead to liver failure. If you have PBC you will be given medication to prevent liver failure. But a liver transplant may be needed if you have severe liver damage.
Treatment for liver diseases will be carried out by our multidisciplinary team, comprising of dedicated consultants, gastroenterologists, radiologists and more. Whether you are suffering from hepatitis or PBC, our team will work with you to diagnose your liver problem and provide effective treatment.
Liver biopsy
During a liver biopsy, small pieces of tissue are removed from your liver using a needle. These are sent for analysis in order to find out if you have inflammation, damage or cancer in your liver.
Lifestyle changes
The first port of call when treating liver damage is to consider whether lifestyle changes can slow the progress of the disease. Even if your liver disease is considered too advanced to be treated using lifestyle changes alone, you will typically still have to change your diet and alcohol consumption if it's found that your liver is damaged.
Medications
Much of hepatology is considered internal medicine, which means that you will usually have medical rather than surgical treatment. There are various medications and therapies available to treat and manage liver disease and our consultants can help you to find the best solution for you.
Resection of liver tumours
A liver resection surgically removes the cancer from your liver. Open surgeries are used to perform most liver resections and will use a horizontal incision under your ribcage to remove your tumour.
Repair of the liver
Surgery for repairing the liver includes laparoscopic operations. A laparoscopy, also known as keyhole surgery, uses small incisions into your abdomen to check the health of liver. Your surgeon may take tissue samples (biopsies) from your liver during the procedure to be analysed.
Radiofrequency ablation
Ablation can be used to treat cancers that cannot be treated surgically. A radiologist will locate the tumour through an ultrasound machine or CT scanner. An ablation needle will be inserted into the correct section of your liver. This needle will be heated using an electric current to destroy the tumour.
The first step to access private hepatology treatment with us is usually to arrange an appointment with one of our specialists. They will be able to assess and diagnose your condition and talk you through the available treatment options, and together you'll decide on the best route for you.
To book your initial consultation, call our dedicated team of advisors, or take advantage of our easy online booking system.
When you go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:
- Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Private ensuite rooms as standard
- A range of delicious healthy meals
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about the services our liver consultants offer, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in April 2023. Next review due April 2026.
- Statistics, British Liver Trust
- Liver disease, NHS
- Hepatitis, NHS
- Liver cancer, NHS
