Fibroscan®
In which cases is Fibroscan used?
When the liver is attacked - be it alcoholism or hepatitis - its cells become fibrous tissue. The harder the liver, the greater the fibrosis. Until then, to evaluate the degree of fibrosis, a biopsy was performed, that is to say that a sample of the liver was taken with a needle. The results were random because they depended on the quality of the sample. Blood tests such as fibrotest could also be used, but in some cases are difficult to interpret. Now, we use Fibroscan which is a very reliable technology.
What is Fibroscan?
It is a non-invasive and completely painless examination. This innovative technology helps determine the stage of fibrosis. The principle is as follows: it is about creating, on the surface of the skin, a small vibration that propagates to the liver. Using ultrasound, we measure the speed of movement of this mini-wave: the faster it is, the harder the liver and the greater the fibrosis.
How is the exam going ?
The examination is done at least two hours after a meal. The patient is lying on his back with his right arm behind his head. The probe is applied perpendicular to the skin and the patient feels the vibrator, but it is completely painless. About twenty valid measures must be taken.
What are the advantages of the fibroscan?
In addition to being non-invasive and can be done as many times as necessary, it is done very quickly in five minutes. As for the result, it is immediate. In addition, it can be performed during a treatment to evaluate its effectiveness.