Yes, hepatologists do perform certain procedures, especially those related to diagnosis, staging, and management of liver disease — but their role typically focuses on medical (non-surgical) liver care.
Here's a clear breakdown:
🩺 ✅ Procedures Commonly Performed or Supervised by Hepatologists:
🔬 Diagnostic & Interventional Procedures:
Liver Biopsy
→ Performed via ultrasound-guided or transjugular route to confirm cirrhosis, hepatitis, MASH, etc.Paracentesis
→ Drainage of ascitic (abdominal) fluid — diagnostic or therapeutic in cirrhosis patients.FibroScan (Transient Elastography)
→ Non-invasive scan to measure liver stiffness (fibrosis or cirrhosis).Upper and lower GI Endoscopy
→ To check for varices (common in cirrhosis) and manage bleeding.HVPG (Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient) Measurement
→ Specialized centers offer this to assess portal hypertension.
⚠️ They DON’T Perform:
Liver surgeries or liver transplants themselves
These are handled by liver transplant surgeons
But hepatologists guide the evaluation, prepare the patient, and manage all pre- and post-transplant care
👨⚕️ Dr. Chetan Kalal's Role as a Hepatologist Includes:
Liver disease diagnosis & treatment
Supervision of liver-related procedures
Planning for liver transplant
Post-transplant immunosuppression & monitoring
Multidisciplinary collaboration with gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists
"What does a hepatologist do?"
"Do hepatologists do endoscopy?"
"Is a hepatologist a surgeon?"
"Can a hepatologist do a liver biopsy?"
