Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Essential Dietary Guidelines for Recovery
Dietary Issues After Gallbladder Removal A few days ago, I had surgery for gallstones. The doctor only advised me to avoid greasy foods and to eat lighter meals in the future. What exactly does "lighter" mean? Can I eat any type of fruit? Am I not allowed to eat seafood...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The function of the gallbladder is to store bile, so even after gallbladder removal, bile secretion is not affected, as bile is produced by the liver. However, in the early postoperative period, gastrointestinal function has not fully recovered, making it difficult to dige...[Read More] Post-Gallbladder Surgery: Essential Dietary Guidelines for Recovery
Are Liver Protectants Effective for Treating Hepatitis B?
Are liver protectants considered therapeutic medications? Is the liver-protective agent Silymarin 150mg (Livorin) a treatment for hepatitis B? How long can I take Gan An before developing drug resistance? Currently, my doctor has prescribed Gan An for me. Can I seek a second opin...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. No, this is just an amino acid supplement that only provides nutritional support for liver cells affected by hepatitis, helping to repair the cells, but it does not have any therapeutic effect on hepatitis B. 2. The probability of developing drug resistance after using ...[Read More] Are Liver Protectants Effective for Treating Hepatitis B?
Why Blood Tests for Calcium Ions Are Important in Gallstone Diagnosis
Question Why is it necessary to draw blood to test for calcium and magnesium ions in cases of gallstones?
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, gallstones were detected through an ultrasound examination, so it's unclear why calcium and magnesium levels need to be checked. It's best to consult your physician for further clarification.[Read More] Why Blood Tests for Calcium Ions Are Important in Gallstone Diagnosis
Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients
The hepatitis B virus infection is currently very active among carriers? A 31-year-old male, who is a carrier of hepatitis B, discovered during a health check that his liver enzyme levels were excessively high, ranging from 400 to nearly 500. Further tests at a larger hospital re...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Jenny! 1. According to the doctor, 640 million → without the unit of measurement attached, if the unit is copies/mL, then the viral load is very high. 2. A biopsy is recommended before treatment → Is interferon therapy suggested? If so, your physician may want to apply f...[Read More] Understanding Active Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Ascites and Pleural Effusion in Cirrhosis Patients
Cirrhosis complicated by ascites and pleural effusion? A friend of mine has developed cirrhosis due to long-term alcohol consumption and has recently been experiencing frequent coughing and shortness of breath. An emergency visit revealed pleural effusion. I would like to ask, si...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, the ascites has improved, but there is still pleural effusion, so it is necessary to identify the cause of the pleural effusion. The presence of ascites indicates that your friend's cirrhosis is quite severe. It is essential to limit salt and fluid intake. Dizziness m...[Read More] Understanding Ascites and Pleural Effusion in Cirrhosis Patients
Understanding High HBsAg Levels: What to Do When Facing Liver Concerns
My father had a health check-up, and the HBsAg test result was as high as 1761? Hello Dr. Chen, Recently, my father underwent a health check-up, and the HBsAg test result was alarmingly high at 1761. The other liver function test results are as follows: T-Bilirubin (0.9), D-Bili...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! An HBsAg level of 176 indicates that your father is merely a carrier of hepatitis B; this figure does not correlate with the severity of the disease. The presence of cirrhosis cannot be determined solely based on this data. According to the information provided, your fathe...[Read More] Understanding High HBsAg Levels: What to Do When Facing Liver Concerns
Are HIV and Hepatitis B Transmission Routes the Same? Understanding Risks and Prevention
Are the transmission routes for HIV and Hepatitis B the same? Are the transmission routes for HIV and Hepatitis B the same? Is HIV considered more frightening simply because there is no cure? Do individuals with these two diseases have to avoid marriage and having children unless...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! 1. Yes, the transmission routes for HIV and Hepatitis B are the same; they are transmitted through blood. 2. There are medications for HIV treatment, but it cannot be completely eradicated. 3. The notion that individuals with HIV or Hepatitis B cannot marry or have childre...[Read More] Are HIV and Hepatitis B Transmission Routes the Same? Understanding Risks and Prevention
Understanding Liver Regeneration with Entecavir in Cirrhosis Patients
Regarding the liver regeneration function associated with the use of "Belac" (Bepotastine besilate)? Dear Dr. Chen, I have purchased your book and would like to consult you regarding my father, who is 60 years old and has related health issues. Two years ago, he was ho...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: My father has cirrhosis and underwent embolization two years ago. After that, the embolized area was surgically removed. He has been developing tumors every six months, which have been treated with alcohol injections. In October 2006, with the physician's permission, ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Regeneration with Entecavir in Cirrhosis Patients
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes in Infants: What Parents Should Know
Liver function tests in infants? Dear Doctor, My daughter has just turned one year old. Recently, we visited the pediatric endocrinology clinic due to concerns about her low weight. After a blood test, the doctor indicated that her liver enzyme levels were elevated at 42. During...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Mrs. Chen! A value slightly higher than the normal range may have pathological significance, and it may be necessary to consult a pediatric hepatologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes in Infants: What Parents Should Know
Understanding Your Liver Biopsy Report: Key Insights for Patients
Pathology report that is difficult to understand? Dr. Chen, I apologize for bothering you again. Today, I went to the hospital to obtain a copy of my pathology report. This was an important examination that led to the decision to undergo interferon therapy. However, due to the ru...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Your liver biopsy report indicates that your hepatocytes are inflamed (chronic active hepatitis) and there is stage 1 liver fibrosis. The liver biopsy and viral load tests are different; I'm not sure if you have had your viral load tested (HBV DNA or HCV RNA) (we don&...[Read More] Understanding Your Liver Biopsy Report: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Risks, and Surgical Options
Gallstones I discovered this two years after giving birth. At that time, I was experiencing unexplained back pain, which led to further examinations. A CT scan revealed that I had two types of stones, and my gallbladder wall was somewhat thick (I don't know how thick). The s...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The symptoms mentioned in the letter are quite vague, so it is advisable to promptly visit a hepatobiliary specialist for a detailed examination. If it is indeed necessary to remove the gallbladder due to gallstones, it will not affect digestive function. Menstruation shou...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Risks, and Surgical Options
Post-Interferon Treatment Questions: Understanding Liver Health and Next Steps
Questions after completing a six-month interferon treatment? Hello Dr. Chen: I recently completed 25 weeks of interferon treatment in November 2006. I started treatment because I am a carrier of hepatitis B, and I have been undergoing regular follow-ups with blood tests and abdom...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello Mr. Wang! Dear Doctor: I just completed a 25-week interferon treatment in November 2006. I started treatment because I am a carrier of hepatitis B, so I have regular follow-ups every six months for blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds. Before the end of 2004, my liver func...[Read More] Post-Interferon Treatment Questions: Understanding Liver Health and Next Steps
Understanding Bile Duct Inflammation: Causes and Dietary Tips for Seniors
Cholangitis Hello Doctor: My grandmother is eighty years old. Two years ago, she had her gallbladder removed due to gallstones, and last week she was hospitalized for bile duct inflammation. She underwent an endoscopic examination and treatment (a cut was made at the bile duct to...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Gallstones could be a possible cause of this cholangitis, but there may also be other reasons; you can consult your attending physician. In terms of daily diet, there are no specific restrictions aside from reducing the intake of greasy foods. Due to aging, gastrointestina...[Read More] Understanding Bile Duct Inflammation: Causes and Dietary Tips for Seniors
Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted During Menstruation?
As a carrier of hepatitis B, it is possible to transmit the virus to your partner during sexual intercourse, including during menstruation. It is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider to understand the risks and consider preventive measures, such as vaccination ...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Sexual activity is one of the transmission routes for hepatitis B. However, for transmission to occur, in addition to the route, it is important to consider the viral activity of the carrier. Currently, it cannot be confirmed whether your menstrual blood could infect your ...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted During Menstruation?
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Recover Naturally Without Medication?
Can a carrier of hepatitis B recover on their own? Dr. Chen: Hello, can a carrier of hepatitis B virus (HBV) spontaneously convert to hepatitis B antibodies, or is medication necessary for this conversion? Or is it impossible to convert to antibodies or antigens at all?
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! The likelihood of hepatitis B transforming into hepatitis B antibodies is very low; it can even be said that once a person is a carrier, the probability of remaining a carrier for life is high. Currently, there are no medications available that can convert a carrier state ...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Recover Naturally Without Medication?
Effective Ways to Lower Liver Enzymes Beyond Medication
Hepatitis B What are some methods to lower liver enzymes besides medication? (I am currently on medication and would like to combine other methods for a quicker reduction. Is a level of 56 considered high?) Please provide some ways to lower liver enzymes.
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! What medications are you taking? A reading of 56 is considered mildly high.[Read More] Effective Ways to Lower Liver Enzymes Beyond Medication
Understanding Bile Duct Inflammation: Risks and Complications
Cholangitis Hello, doctor: It seems to be cholangitis! The bile cannot be secreted because there is an obstruction... I would like to ask if this poses a life-threatening risk? Will there be any other complications?
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Is the cause of the cholangitis due to stones or a tumor? This needs to be confirmed. Can biliary obstruction affect life? It depends on the condition; if the inflammation is severe and left untreated, it can lead to abscess formation or sepsis, which is very dangerous. Ar...[Read More] Understanding Bile Duct Inflammation: Risks and Complications
Understanding Cholecystitis: Insights from a Patient's Journey
Cholangitis Hello, doctor: Yes, I have been hospitalized for over a week! Initially, I was at a municipal hospital in Tainan, but I was transferred to Cheng Kung University Hospital for more detailed examinations. I am currently waiting for the test results from Cheng Kung Univer...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! If you have any related questions, feel free to reach out.[Read More] Understanding Cholecystitis: Insights from a Patient's Journey
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B
SGOT 131, SGPT 207 Hello, I would like to ask a question. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have regular check-ups every six months to a year. Aside from experiencing stress and fatigue, my lifestyle and dietary habits are normal. In mid-November last year, I went for a health ch...
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Currently, a high index does not pose a risk, but it is still important to be cautious. I'm not sure if your doctor has any further recommendations. Have you considered treatment with interferon or peginterferon? Have you tested for HBV DNA? Hepatoprotective medicatio...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Risks and Management for Hepatitis B
Understanding Hepatobiliary Inflammation: Causes and Severity Explained
What is cholangitis? Hello doctors, I would like to ask... what is cholangitis? Is it serious? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Jianhong reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! There is no such term, so I'm not sure if you are referring to liver inflammation or inflammation of the bile ducts or gallbladder. Hepatobiliary inflammation is a vague term.[Read More] Understanding Hepatobiliary Inflammation: Causes and Severity Explained