Hepatology

Hepatology is the branch of medicine that incorporates the study of liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas as well as management of their disorders. Although traditionally considered a sub-specialty of gastroenterology, rapid expansion has led in some countries to doctors specializing solely on this area, who are called hepatologists.

This article is about the branch of internal medicine. For the compound literary or narrative work, see heptalogy. For the study of amphibians, see herpetology. For the study of liverworts, see hepaticology. For the journal, see Hepatology (journal).
Hepatologist
Occupation
NamesDoctor, Medical Specialist
Occupation type
Specialty
Activity sectors
Medicine
Description
Education required

OR

OR

OR

  • Bacculareus Medicinae, Bacculareus Chirurgiae (M.B.Ch.B)

AND

  • Internal Medicine Specialiazation

AND

  • Gastroenterology Subspecialization

AND

  • Extra training as a Gastroenterologist in Hepatology and Transplant Hepatology
Fields of
employment
Hospitals, clinics

Diseases and complications related to viral hepatitis and alcohol are the main reason for seeking specialist advice. More than two billion people have been infected with hepatitis B virus at some point in their life, and approximately 350 million have become persistent carriers. Up to 80% of liver cancers can be attributed to either hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus. In terms of mortality, the former is second only to smoking among known agents causing cancer. With more widespread implementation of vaccination and strict screening before blood transfusion, lower infection rates are expected in the future. In many countries, however, overall alcohol consumption is increasing, and consequently the number of people with cirrhosis and other related complications is commensurately increasing.

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