A Center of Excellence for Treatment of Liver Diseases
By combining the clinical and research resources of Saint Louis University and SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, SLU Liver Center helps to diagnose, treat, cure and educate the public about liver diseases. Our staff includes some of the highest-profile doctors and research scientists in the country — many of whom have been named in the Best Doctors, Inc. database, a national, independent medical reference service.
The Liver Center was created by Dr. Bruce Bacon and Dr. Adrian Di Biscgelie, internationally recognized experts in the field of hepatology. The center is currently led by co-directors Dr. Brent Tetri and Dr. Wing-Kin Syn.
As liver specialists in Saint Louis University's division of gastroenterology and hepatology, we see more than 1,200 patients per month with various types of liver diseases. We have one of the largest hepatology practices in the world, treating more than 2,000 patients annually.
Treatment at SLU Liver Center
Our physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating liver diseases that range from the evaluation of mild enzyme abnormalities due to fatty liver to the management of severe, complicated, end-stage liver disease in patients awaiting liver transplantation.
Conditions We Treat:
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Fatty liver disease (NASH)
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatorenal syndrome
- Liver cancer
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Percutaneous liver biopsy is often needed for the evaluation of patients with any type of liver disease. Saint Louis University's extensive experience in outpatient liver biopsy allows for safe and cost-effective testing, and our close working relationships with expert hepatic pathologists ensures an accurate diagnosis.
The Liver Center's ongoing clinical research activities allow patients to be included in protocols evaluating various new therapies for the treatment of liver diseases. Through clinical trials, new treatments are identified, and patients often find personal satisfaction participating in research that may help many people in the future. SLU Liver Center was a leader in hepatitis C treatment trials; now those therapies have become standard treatments, preventing the need for liver transplantation.
Our Liver Transplant Services
Through SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, the Saint Louis University Liver Center's transplant service is approved by UNOS, certified by Medicare and designated as a center of excellence by several major insurance providers. Recognizing that continuity of pre- and post-operative care is just as essential to successful outcomes as the actual surgery, our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing the full spectrum of care to liver transplant patients.
Saint Louis University hepatologists work closely with the liver transplant surgeons and the pre- and post-transplant coordinators to develop an individualized plan for each patient.
The goal of the Liver Center is to provide patients with efficient and cost-effective care from evaluation to post-transplant follow-up.
On the Forefront of Liver Research
Saint Louis University Liver Center is committed to excellence in liver research, with physicians and scientists working side by side to acquire new knowledge of liver function, causes of liver diseases and applicable treatments.
Many different academic disciplines contribute to our research. Our team includes experts in:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Biology
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Hematology and Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
- Pathology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neonatology
- Radiology
- Interventional Radiology
-
Surgery
National Leadership in Clinical Trials
Saint Louis University Liver Center takes research from the lab to patient treatment. As a leading liver research center, we are continually engaged in multi-center clinical trials and can offer our patients access to the latest advances in care.
Clinical trials may be offered at no charge through pharmaceutical companies or through the National Institutes of Health Clinical Studies Unit.
To learn about clinical trials, please call the GI/Hepatology Clinical Studies Unit at 314-977-9400 to speak with a research coordinator.
Friends of The Liver Center
Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center is an organization that raises money to support research, treatment and public education about liver disease. Many members have a personal interest in The Liver Center since they or a close friend or relative have a liver disease.
The immediate goal of the Friends is to raise funds to support SLU's ongoing research programs in liver disease, including hepatitis C, and to hire new investigators and researchers. A longer-term goal is to raise funds to establish two or more endowed chairs in liver research at Saint Louis University. The group's ultimate goal is to establish a named, endowed liver research facility, consolidating all of the Center's activities into a single location.
To request additional information or to support the Saint Louis University Liver Center, call the Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center at 314-576-3078 or visit their website.
SLU Liver Center Location
Patient Care: Center for Specialized Medicine 1225 South Grand, Second FloorSt. Louis, MO 63104
314-257-3760 See Map Research Activities:
Saint Louis University Liver Center
Attn: Myron Minner, MBA, RHIA, Manager
SLUCare Academic Pavilion
1008 S. Spring Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
314-977-2185
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