INTRODUCTION

This liver center is a unique one in Taiwan specialized both in clinical services and researches of liver diseases. Taiwan is endemic for hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection, with increasing alcoholic liver diseases and non alcoholic fatty liver diseases. Most of our patients suffered from chronic liver diseases with its related complications, i.e. cirrhosis of the liver, esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is one of the leading causes of cancer death, while chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis are the 6th cause of death in Taiwan. Around 80% of our chronic liver diseases are related to hepatitis B virus. Our unit specialized in the most common and the most important diseases in Taiwan, i.e. "The National Diseases". This liver center was established in October 9th, 2001. For more information, please contact our staffs at +886-2-27082121 ext. 3123 or fax to +886-2-66367420 or e-mail to jaab@cgh.org.tw.

Services

1. Regular screening of chronic viral hepatitis B and C
2. Diagnosis and treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other liver diseases
3. Diagnosis and treatment of complications of liver cirrhosis, including hepatic encephalopathy, esophageal and gastric varices, and ascites
4. Diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, including percutaneous sono-guided liver biopsy, ethanol injection, radio-frequency ablation, and in collaboration with Department of Surgery for surgical resection, also in collaboration with Department of Radiology for transarterial chemoembolism and hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy
5. Molecular biologic testing for HBVDNA, HCVRNA, viral genotypes, Gilbert's syndrome
6. Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy
7. Regular patient education and counseling for side effects of hepatitis B and C treatment especially for those under interferon therapy