1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Hepatic Fibrosis
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr Nghia Nguyen offers expert diagnosis and treatment of hepatic fibrosis—early-stage liver scarring that can be reversed. Combining cutting-edge imaging, personalized care plans, and lifestyle interventions, Dr Nguyen's team optimizes liver function and promotes lasting health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Age, family history, obesity and environmental factors
Signs and Symptoms
Often none in early stages
Fatigue or general weakness
Fullness or discomfort under the right rib cage
Swelling in legs or abdomen (advanced)
Dark urine or pale-colored stools
Itching or easy bruising (advanced disease)
Unexplained weight loss
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Hepatic Fibrosis?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
She reviews your personal and family liver history, alcohol use, metabolic risk factors, and details of your epigastric pain—onset, character, timing, and aggravating or relieving factors.
Blood Tests
Comprehensive labs include liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT), viral hepatitis panels, complete blood count, coagulation profile, and markers of inflammation to evaluate liver function and identify other causes of upper abdominal pain.
Imaging Studies
Ultrasound Elastography or FibroScan to measure liver stiffness and quantify fibrosis stage.
Abdominal ultrasound or MRI to assess liver morphology, rule out focal lesions, and evaluate the pancreas and biliary tree as potential sources of epigastric discomfort.
Advanced Diagnostics (if needed)
If noninvasive tests are inconclusive, he may recommend a percutaneous liver biopsy to grade fibrosis and inflammation. Endoscopic evaluation can also be performed to inspect for varices or peptic ulcer disease contributing to epigastric pain.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for hepatic fibrosis.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat a balanced, low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins
Avoid or cut down on alcohol to reduce further liver injury
Maintain a healthy weight through regular, gentle exercise
2. Medications
Antiviral therapies for hepatitis B and C
Insulin-sensitizing agents for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Vitamin E supplementation in select cases
Emerging anti-fibrotic drugs under clinical investigation
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic treatments for varices and portal hypertension
Paracentesis to remove excess abdominal fluid (ascites)
Radiology-guided interventions for advanced scarring
Non-surgical monitoring with FibroScan® elastography
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis?
Hepatic fibrosis is early-stage scarring that can often be reversed with treatment and lifestyle changes. Cirrhosis is advanced, permanent scarring with impaired liver function.
Can I reverse stage 3 fibrosis?
Yes. With early intervention—diet, exercise, antiviral or metabolic medications, and close monitoring—stage 3 fibrosis can improve and even regress in many patients.
How is hepatic fibrosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines blood tests for liver enzymes and viral markers, ultrasound elastography (FibroScan), MRI elastography, and, if necessary, a liver biopsy for definitive staging.
Is there an ICD-10 code for hepatic fibrosis?
Yes. Hepatic fibrosis is classified under codes K74.0 through K74.6, covering different types and severities of liver scarring.
How long does treatment last?
Mild fibrosis may improve within months of lifestyle and medical therapy. Advanced cases often require a year or more of comprehensive care and regular follow-up.
Does insurance cover FibroScan?
Many insurance plans—including Medicare and commercial carriers—cover FibroScan for high-risk patients. Our team assists with preauthorization and benefits verification.
