Hepatology
Liver Disease

The liver is one of the body’s most vital organs, responsible for functions such as filtering toxins, aiding digestion, regulating blood clotting and storing energy. When the liver is damaged or not working properly, it can affect your entire health and wellbeing. At Montserrat Medical Services, our hepatology specialists provide expert care for a wide range of liver and related diseases, supporting you with timely diagnosis, advanced treatment options and compassionate care.

With decades of combined experience in managing liver, gall bladder and pancreatic conditions, our specialists are dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy liver and achieving the best possible outcomes to prevent liver damage.

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Liver Disease

Liver disease is a broad term that includes more than 100 different conditions, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease and liver cancer. Some conditions develop gradually with few symptoms, while others may progress quickly and require urgent care. At Montserrat Medical Services, our hepatology specialists are experienced in diagnosing and managing the full spectrum of liver, gall bladder and pancreatic diseases, with a focus on early detection, effective treatment and long-term management.

Cause and Risk Factors of Liver Disease

Liver disease can arise from a wide range of causes. Some of the most common include:

  • Viral infections such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C
  • Excessive alcohol consumption, leading to alcoholic liver disease
  • Obesity and metabolic conditions, which contribute to fatty liver disease
  • Genetic conditions, such as haemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease
  • Exposure to toxins or certain medications that damage liver cells

Liver cancer, in particular, is often linked to long-term hepatitis infections, heavy alcohol use and obesity. Understanding your personal risk factors is key to prevention. Simple steps such as moderating alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and attending regular check-ups can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing serious liver disease.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Liver Disease

The early signs of liver disease (e.g. precursor to liver failure or severe liver disease) usually mean symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), swelling in the abdomen and legs due to fluid build-up, persistent nausea or vomiting, chronic fatigue, confusion or cognitive issues, as well as dark-coloured urine. Some patients also experience easy bruising and bleeding, which can be a sign that the liver isn’t producing enough clotting factors.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, your doctor may recommend further investigations to understand the health of your liver. Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed medical history, blood tests to check liver function and may also include imaging such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI to visualise the liver and blood vessels that surround it.

In some cases, a FibroScan can be used to measure liver stiffness and detect early scarring. For more complex cases, your specialist may recommend a liver biopsy. Other assessments can include cardiac testing, lung function testing and screening for infections.

Detecting liver disease early gives you the best chance at successful intervention through medical management. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing complications and improving long-term outcomes.

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Stages of Liver Damage and Liver Failure

Liver disease can progress through different stages if not detected and treated early:

  • In the early stages, inflammation or fibrosis (scarring) may be present but the liver can still function relatively well.
  • As damage builds, cirrhosis develops. This is more advanced scarring that begins to affect the liver’s ability to work properly.
  • If cirrhosis continues to worsen, patients may develop end-stage liver disease, where the liver is unable to carry out essential functions. Complications such as fluid build-up, internal bleeding and liver cancer are more common.
  • In the most severe cases, liver failure can occur, which may require urgent medical treatment or a transplant.

Not all patients will progress to these advanced stages, but understanding them highlights the importance of early detection, diagnosis and treatment.

Our experienced team of healthcare professionals are here to provide you with personalised care and support.

Treatment and Management Options

Treatment for liver disease depends on the underlying cause and the stage at which it is diagnosed. Some conditions can be managed with lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly and avoiding alcohol. Medications may also be prescribed for conditions like hepatitis or autoimmune liver disease.

For patients with gall bladder or pancreatic disorders, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be required. Those with advanced liver disease may need closer monitoring and, in some cases, liver transplantation is considered when other treatments are no longer effective. At Montserrat, our hepatology specialists will work closely with you to design a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Recovery and Outcomes

The outlook for patients with liver disease varies depending on the cause, severity and how quickly treatment begins. With early intervention and careful management, many liver conditions can be stabilised or even reversed. Recovery often involves ongoing medical management, regular blood tests and imaging, as well as a commitment to long-term lifestyle changes.

For patients with more advanced liver disease, careful monitoring and regular follow-ups with a specialist team are vital. Patients who engage in proactive care generally experience better outcomes, improved quality of life and reduced risk of complications.

Book a Consultation

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of liver disease or has concerns about liver, gall bladder or pancreatic health, Montserrat Medical Services is here to help. Our expert hepatology specialists take a compassionate, patient-first approach to develop a personalised care plan tailored to your needs.

Contact us today on (07) 3833 6701 to book a consultation and take the first step towards better liver health with the trusted support of Montserrat Medical Services.

Meet our Hepatologists experienced in treating liver, gall bladder and pancreatic diseases

Dr Madhavi Kasi

Dr Madhavi Kasi is a specialist hepatologist and gastroenterologist with extensive experience in managing liver conditions such as fatty liver, viral hepatitis, and autoimmune liver disease. She provides compassionate, evidence-based care for patients with both acute and chronic liver concerns.

Meet Dr Kasi

Dr Terrence Tan

Dr Terrence Tan is an experienced gastroenterologist and hepatologist who provides comprehensive care for a wide range of digestive and liver conditions. He has a strong focus on managing chronic liver disease and hepatobiliary disorders, along with expertise in therapeutic endoscopy, including polypectomy, variceal banding, and haemorrhoid treatment.

Meet Dr Tan

Dr Hadi Moattar is a Melbourne-trained Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist who completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology in 2016 and now specialises in liver-related diseases as well as inflammatory bowel disease, IBS, coeliac disease, and advanced endoscopic procedures.

Meet Dr Moattar