Hepatology

Hepatology is a medical specialty that focuses on the liver and its diseases.

The liver is one of the body's most intelligent organs: it performs functions such as filtering a large portion of the blood before it is sent back to the heart. Additionally, it processes and breaks down nutrients from the blood coming from the stomach and intestines, neutralizing toxins and ensuring that resulting nutrients are utilized by the body's cells.

Our services in Hepatology

We offer comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as:

  • Cirrhosis

This condition results from excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, or exposure to certain medications or toxic substances. Symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and malnutrition.

  • Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by various factors, including infections from hepatitis viruses A, B, and C, toxic substance exposure, and autoimmune diseases where the body mistakenly attacks its own organs.

  • Fatty liver disease or hepatic steatosis:

This disease is caused by an excess of fat, sugar, or flour in the diet, as well as fat stored in adipose tissue. It results from poor nutrition and should be treated with a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

  • Liver disease associated with excessive alcohol consumption:

Excessive alcohol intake increases fat deposits and liver size, leading to progressive inflammation and eventually cirrhosis.

  • Cholestasis (Yellowing of the skin):

Excessive bile buildup in the liver occurs when bile cannot flow into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.

  • Wilson's disease:

Characterized by increased copper levels in the body. People with this disease should avoid consuming chocolate, nuts, shellfish, and mushrooms. It can lead to acute liver failure or cirrhosis.

  • Hemochromatosis

This condition occurs when iron is transported by the intestine and accumulates in the liver. Patients with this condition should avoid iron injections and iron-containing food products.

Our professionals in Hepatology

Juan Carlos Restrepo Gutiérrez

M.D. MSc, PhD. Specialist in Internal Medicine. Specialist in Clinical Hepatology and Liver Transplantation.

Juan Ignacio Marín Zuluaga

M.D. Specialist in Internal Medicine. Specialist in Clinical Hepatology and Liver Transplantation.

Octavio Germán Muñoz Maya 

M.D. Specialist in Internal Medicine. Specialist in Clinical Hepatology and Liver Transplantation.

Óscar Mauricio Santos Sánchez 

M.D. Specialist in Internal Medicine. Specialist in Clinical Hepatology and Liver Transplantation.

When to check Hepatology?

If you experience any of the following conditions, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our hepatologists:

  • Yellowing of the skin: If you notice a yellowish discoloration in your skin and eyes, it may indicate a liver problem.

  • Liver transplantation: If you are considering or have undergone a liver transplant, a hepatologist will be an essential part of your medical care team before, during, and after the procedure.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption: If you have a history of excessive alcohol consumption and experience liver problems, a hepatologist can assess the damage and provide guidance on treatment.
Comprehensive Care

Our comprehensive approach to health aims to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of each patient, offering holistic and personalized care throughout their stay through the following support services:

Specialized Nursing

We have specialized nursing for liver transplant evaluation and care, both before, during, and after the transplant process.

Social Work

We provide comprehensive support to patients and their families, recognizing their protective factors, internal resources, personal, family, and social situations, aiming to promote adherence to outpatient treatments proposed by the treating medical team.

Clinical Nutrition

We provide the best nutritional care to patients, with an emphasis on high complexity, in a comprehensive, timely, friendly, and safe manner, in coordination with the interdisciplinary health team.

Clinical Psychology

We offer psychological support to patients and their families who are hospitalized or require specialized outpatient consultation for their pathology.

Contact us

Contact our Call Center at (604) 360 4788 to schedule an appointment with Hepatology.

For more information or general inquiries, please contact us at (604) 445 90 00.