Hepatic fibrosis is the development of scar tissue in the liver due to repeated or chronic injury. Over time, this scarring hampers liver function and can progress to cirrhosis if not addressed. Early detection and management can halt or even reverse damage in its initial stages.
In early fibrosis, you may have no obvious signs. As scarring advances, you might notice:
Many factors can injure liver cells and trigger fibrosis:
At GastroDoxs in Houston, our specialists provide patient-centered, comprehensive care for hepatic fibrosis. We combine advanced diagnostics-like FibroScan and liver biopsy-with personalized treatment plans to help slow or even reverse liver scarring. Don't wait to protect your liver health-book your appointment today and get the expert support you deserve.
We've successfully treated more than 2.7K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
K76.6 is the official diagnosis code used in medical records and billing.
Doctors use stages F0 to F4 to describe the amount of scar tissue in the liver. F0 means no scarring, F1-F2 indicate mild to moderate scarring, F3 is severe scarring, and F4 is cirrhosis.
Yes-if detected and treated early. Stages F1 and F2 can often improve with medical treatment and lifestyle changes, while advanced stages require closer monitoring.
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check liver enzymes, imaging such as FibroScan or MRI elastography to measure stiffness, and sometimes a liver biopsy to confirm the stage.
Fibrosis refers to the buildup of scar tissue in the liver, whereas cirrhosis (stage F4) is the advanced form of fibrosis with widespread scarring and impaired liver function.
A gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver specialist) manages hepatic fibrosis, often working with dietitians, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals for comprehensive care.
Absolutely. A balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management, and avoiding alcohol can slow or even reverse early-stage fibrosis.
If you have chronic hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease, abnormal liver tests, or symptoms like jaundice or abdominal swelling, you should consult a specialist promptly.
Common tests include FibroScan, MRI elastography, ultrasound-based elastography, liver enzyme blood tests, and, if needed, a liver biopsy.
Follow-up frequency depends on your fibrosis stage and underlying cause, but most patients are monitored every 6 to 12 months with noninvasive tests or blood work.
