Mengenal metode elastografi hati, lebih mudah dan tidak menyakitkan

Elastography of the Liver: A Non-Invasive Method for Assessing Chronic Liver Disease

Jakarta (JurnalPagi) – Dr. Saut Horas H Nababan Ph.D, Sp.PD-KGEH, a specialist in internal medicine and consultant gastroenterohepatology at MRCCC Siloam Hospitals Semanggi, explains that liver elastography is a non-invasive method that is easier and painless for patients with chronic liver disease.

In simple terms, he says that this device measures the stiffness of the liver, which is indirectly related to the degree of liver fibrosis. By using this device, doctors can assess whether there are complications from the patient’s chronic liver disease.

“This device can be used for cases such as viral hepatitis B and C infections, cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic liver disease, and liver disease related to metabolic disorders. This examination is also useful in monitoring the development of liver disease caused by drugs or autoimmune diseases,” Dr. Saut explained in a press release on Wednesday.

The difference between liver elastography and ultrasonography (USG), according to Dr. Saut, lies in the information provided by the method. “USG generally assesses the structure and condition of the organ, while liver elastography assesses the degree of fibrosis and liver steatosis,” Dr. Saut said.

He further explains that liver elastography has several advantages, including being non-invasive, painless, and able to assess the degree of fibrosis and liver steatosis.

For patients who intend to undergo liver elastography, Dr. Saut explains that this method does not require special preparation, only fasting for three hours before the examination. The examination itself takes about 5-10 minutes, and the results can be seen immediately by the patients.

The results of the examination can help doctors in diagnosing, determining the severity of liver disease, planning treatment, and monitoring the patient’s progress during treatment.

Figure: Example of liver elastography examination results at MRCCC Siloam Hospitals Semanggi. (JurnalPagi/HO-Siloam Hospitals)

Dr. Saut advises the public to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent liver diseases. He suggests maintaining a healthy weight, as obesity and diabetes contribute to the increasing cases of liver steatosis in Indonesia.

“The cases of liver steatosis due to metabolic disorders in Indonesia have significantly increased in the past decade. Factors such as lifestyle changes, unhealthy eating habits, high incidence of obesity and diabetes have contributed to the rise of liver steatosis cases in Indonesia,” he said.

“This indicates that the Indonesian population is suffering from or at risk of developing liver diseases due to metabolic disorders,” Dr. Saut added.

Currently, MRCCC Siloam Semanggi Hospital provides basic to advanced liver health examination services. Prospective patients can schedule a doctor’s consultation through the MySiloam application or the Contact Center 1-500-181.

To minimize the risk of developing liver steatosis, there are several steps that can be taken, such as maintaining a healthy weight. If overweight or obese, gradual weight loss through a combination of healthy diet and exercise can help reduce fat accumulation in the liver.

Regular physical activity can also improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fat in the liver. Additionally, maintaining a healthy eating pattern by focusing on balanced meals and avoiding foods high in saturated fat, added sugar, and excessive salt is important. High-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help improve the body’s metabolism.

Controlling blood sugar levels by following a low-carbohydrate diet and maintaining a balanced eating pattern is also crucial. Lastly, if someone frequently consumes alcohol, it is advisable to consume it responsibly or even avoid alcohol consumption altogether to maintain liver health.

Read also: The Dangers of Liver Cirrhosis

In conclusion, liver elastography is a non-invasive method that offers numerous advantages for assessing chronic liver disease. By using this method, doctors can accurately diagnose and monitor the progression of liver disease, plan appropriate treatments, and help patients achieve better outcomes. It is essential for individuals to prioritize a healthy lifestyle to prevent liver diseases, especially those related to metabolic disorders.
Elastografi hati merupakan metode pemeriksaan non-invasif yang lebih mudah dan tidak menimbulkan rasa sakit, terutama pada pasien penyakit hati kronis. Alat ini digunakan untuk mengukur kekakuan hati yang secara tidak langsung dikaitkan dengan derajat fibrosis hati. Dengan menggunakan elastografi hati, dokter dapat menilai apakah sudah terdapat komplikasi dari penyakit hati kronis yang diderita pasien.

Metode elastografi hati dapat digunakan pada kasus-kasus seperti infeksi virus hepatitis B dan C, sirosis, penyakit hati alkoholik, penyakit hati non-alkoholik, dan penyakit hati yang terkait gangguan metabolik. Pemeriksaan ini juga berguna dalam memantau perkembangan penyakit hati akibat obat-obatan atau autoimun.

Perbedaan elastografi hati dengan USG (ultrasonography) terletak pada informasi yang disuguhkan dari metode tersebut. Pemeriksaan USG secara umum menilai struktur dan kondisi organ, sementara elastografi hati menilai derajat fibrosis dan perlemakan hati.

Keunggulan elastografi hati antara lain adalah metode ini tidak invasif, tidak menyakitkan, dan dapat menilai derajat fibrosis serta derajat perlemakan hati. Pemeriksaan elastografi hati juga tidak memerlukan persiapan khusus, hanya perlu berpuasa selama tiga jam sebelum pemeriksaan. Waktu yang dibutuhkan untuk pemeriksaan elastografi hati singkat, sekitar 5-10 menit, dan hasil pemeriksaan dapat dilihat langsung oleh pasien.

Hasil pemeriksaan elastografi hati dapat membantu dokter dalam mendiagnosis, menentukan tingkat keparahan penyakit hati, merencanakan perawatan, serta memantau perkembangan pasien selama pengobatan.

Untuk mencegah penyakit hati, penting bagi masyarakat untuk menjaga pola hidup sehat. Hal ini meliputi menjaga asupan makanan untuk mencegah obesitas dan diabetes yang berkontribusi terhadap peningkatan kasus perlemakan hati. Kasus perlemakan hati akibat gangguan metabolik di Indonesia mengalami peningkatan yang signifikan dalam dekade akhir.

Beberapa cara yang dapat dilakukan untuk meminimalisir terkena penyakit perlemakan hati adalah dengan mempertahankan berat badan yang sehat, menjalani kegiatan fisik secara teratur, fokus pada makanan yang seimbang dengan menghindari makanan yang tinggi lemak jenuh, gula tambahan, dan garam berlebih, serta mengontrol kadar gula darah dengan mengikuti diet rendah karbohidrat dan menjaga pola makan seimbang. Selain itu, menghindari atau mengonsumsi alkohol secara bertanggung jawab juga dapat membantu menjaga kesehatan hati.

Rumah Sakit MRCCC Siloam Semanggi menyediakan layanan pemeriksaan kesehatan hati dasar hingga lanjut melalui aplikasi MySiloam atau Contact Center 1-500-181. Dengan melakukan pemeriksaan elastografi hati dan menjaga pola hidup sehat, diharapkan masyarakat dapat mencegah dan mengatasi penyakit hati dengan lebih baik.