05-02-2025
Samaritan offering new way to check patient livers
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown is offering a new way to check on the livers of their patients.
The hospital has announced the launch of FibroScan, which is a non-invasive medical test that assesses liver health in individuals with chronic liver diseases.
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According to the hospital, the technology has revolutionized the way healthcare professionals assess liver health, offering an alternative to liver biopsies. This technology uses advanced elastography to measure liver stiffness, which correlates with the degree of liver fibrosis. This non-invasive procedure doesn't involve needles or incisions This makes it comfortable and convenient option for individuals seeking a thorough evaluation of their liver health.
Dr. Ryan Tyler helped drive the use of FibroScan technology at Samaritan, which has led to the integration of this non-invasive liver assessment tool into Samaritan's clinical services offered at the Health and Wellness Plaza.
Dr. Tyler, Dr. Benjamin Rudd and Jennifer Ring, AGNP-C have been trained to perform and interpret these diagnostic tests. Patients can be referred by their primary care or specialist physician for this test, like any other imaging test, and do not need to be a current patient of Samaritan.
We are proud to offer this advanced technology to our patients. FibroScan allows us to quickly assess liver health and help identify conditions before they become severe, which is crucial for providing timely and effective care.
Dr. Ryan Tyler, Samaritan Family Health Center
Fibrosis is often a result of chronic liver diseases like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or alcohol-related liver damage. The scan can also help identify individuals who may not yet show symptoms of liver disease but are at high risk due to factors like obesity, diabetes, or hepatitis.
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Early detection of liver fibrosis at earlier stages is critical for preventing the progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer, and in some cases reverse it. Development of medication capable of reversing liver fibrosis marks a major breakthrough in the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
The technology's non-invasive nature, speed, and reliability make it an essential part of modern liver care, offering patients and doctors a safer, more comfortable way to monitor liver health without the need for invasive procedures.
Referrals can be made by calling the hospital at 315-786-7300.
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