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At NTU hospital they are constantly processing high volumes of patients efficiently and with a happy attitude. I was in and out for my follow-up in less than 30 mins. Moreover, my previous recent experience in the ER department was very positive. All of the doctors and many of the staff can speak English. What’s more, they offer online appointment booking in English. The best place in Taiwan to go for any serious health concerns. The attitude of the staff is impressive considering how busy it gets.
皮膚科彭家盈醫師問診親切仔細,五顆星是給她的
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A liver biopsy is a medical procedure performed to collect a small piece of liver tissue, so it can be examined closely under a microscope for signs of disease or damage. This procedure is usually carried out to detect the presence of abnormal cells in the liver, such as cancer cells. Your doctor may suggest a liver biopsy if the result of your blood tests or imaging studies shows that you might have a problem in your liver. Although biopsies are usually associated with cancer, it does not necessarily mean that you have cancer if your doctor recommends this test.
A liver biopsy is most often used to:
Identify the cause of unexplained jaundice (yellowing of the skin), persistent abnormal liver blood tests (liver enzymes), a liver abnormality found on CT scan, ultrasound, or nuclear scan, as well as unexplained enlargement of the liver
Determine the severity of the liver disease
Grade and stage hepatitis B and C
Monitor the liver after a liver transplant
Help develop the best treatment for liver damage or disease.
Laparoscopic biopsy
Laparoscopic biopsy uses a laparoscope, which is a tube-like instrument with a tiny camera attached to it, to collect the sample.
Before the laparoscopic biopsy, you will be given a general anesthetic. Your doctor will create several tiny incisions in your abdomen. The laparoscope and special surgical tools are inserted through these incisions. The camera within the laparoscope projects images on a monitor. Your doctor uses these images to guide the surgical tools to your liver to take some tissue samples. When the samples are taken, the tools are removed and the incisions are closed with stitches.
Transjugular biopsy
To start the procedure, a small numbing medication is applied to one side of your neck. Your doctor will then create a small incision at the numbed area and then inserts a thin, flexible tube through the incision into your jugular vein. The tube is then guided through the jugular vein and into the hepatic vein (the large vein in your liver). Once the tube reaches your hepatic vein, your doctor will inject a contrast dye into the tube and creates a series of X-ray images. The contrast dye will show up in the vein, which enables your doctor to clearly see the hepatic vein. Afterward, a biopsy needle is inserted through the tube to take the liver sample.
Percutaneous biopsy
Percutaneous biopsy, also known as a needle biopsy, is the most common type of liver biopsy. It involves the use of a thin needle through your abdomen and into the liver. To start the procedure, your doctor will tap your abdomen or use ultrasound images to locate your liver. Ultrasound is sometimes used to guide the needle into the liver. Your doctor will apply a numbing medication and then creates an incision near the bottom of your ribcage. The needle is then inserted through the incision and your doctor will remove a small tissue sample.
You can leave the hospital on the same day as the procedure. However, since it takes around a week until the result of your biopsy comes back from the pathology lab, plan to stay in Taiwan for about 7 days. Once the result is ready, you will have to attend a follow-up appointment to discuss the results with your doctor. If everything is fine, you will be allowed to travel home afterward.
You need to take it easy and rest for at least 1 day. You should be able to resume your normal activities after a few days. However, avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a week following your liver biopsy.
Your doctor will give you detailed aftercare instructions that you need to follow. In general, you need to avoid taking aspirin or products that contain aspirin for a week. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help with your discomfort, make sure to take them as directed.
A liver biopsy is a safe procedure with high success and accuracy rates. Although it is safe, there are still some possible risks and side effects that you will need to be aware of. These include:
Bleeding
Pain
Infection
Injury to a nearby organ.
A transjugular biopsy carries very rare risks of hematoma in the neck, puncture of the lung, temporary voice problems, and temporary problems with the facial nerves.
In some cases, your doctor may be able to make a diagnosis of liver disease based on physical examination, medical history, and blood testing. Doctors may also use imaging techniques as an alternative to liver biopsy. The simplest imaging technique that’s used is elastography (mostly known as FibroScan), which is similar to an ultrasound and can measure the stiffness of a liver.
Before a liver biopsy, you may experience unexplained symptoms and your doctor may not be able to make an accurate diagnosis of your problem. After the procedure, your doctor should be able to make a diagnosis and know for sure the condition of your liver. The results will allow you and your doctor to create a treatment plan.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Whilst still a part of the Republic of China, the small island of Taiwan maintains a wealth of ancient Chinese culture and traditions mixed with modern-day Western inspirations. With its food-loving locals and award-winning whiskeys, Taiwan is a land of surprises. With 14 JCI accredited facilities in Taiwan, Taipei, the capital, is home to most, many of which are part of the University Hospitals and offer a range of specialist tertiary care. The country welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Liver Biopsy procedures. Medical Tourists mostly travel from the mainland or from within the region.
Taiwan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 23.5 million inhabitants. The country has amazed tourists with its dynamic cities, vibrant culture, interesting history, and incredible natural scenery.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the main airport in the country, located about 40km west of Taipei in the Dayuan District, Taoyuan. It is the hub for 6 airlines including two of Taiwan’s major airlines, China Airlines, and EVA Air. It has international connections with almost every country in the world. The airport serves major airlines as well as budget airlines such as Air Asia, Eastar Jet, Air Busan, and Tiger air Taiwan. There are other airports that serve international and domestic flights such as Taichung Airport, Tainan Airport, Siaogang Airport, and Taipei Songshan Airport.
Tourists arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport have a variety of transport options such as buses, taxis, car rentals, and Taoyuan Airport MRT. Buses are the cheapest option to get to the city center. Tourists who head towards the Taipei 101 area should take Bus no. 1960, while bus no. 1819 and 1961 will take tourists near Taipei Main Train Station.
Taxis are available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2’ arrivals lobby. The fare is based on a meter and will usually cost around 1,200 TWD (40.50 USD). A journey to the city center takes about 50 minutes and taxis operate for 24 hours.
Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest way to reach Taipei’s city center. It will take tourists to Taipei Main Station in 35 minutes and costs 160 TWD (5.40 USD). The MRT operates from 6.05 am to 11.35 pm.
Tourists can travel around Taiwan by normal train (TRA). It is an affordable option; a train ride from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs around 845 TWD. Tourists who need a quicker travel time can opt for Taiwan High-Speed Train (HSR). The train travels from Taipei to Kaohsiung in just 90 minutes.
The cheapest way to travel around Taiwan is by bus. Buses are readily available and will reach small villages and mountain resorts. The country provides Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus system that offers 42 routes to more than 100 tourist destinations.
Taxis and MRT is the best way to travel around big cities. In Kaohsiung, getting around in a bicycle is the best way to explore as it is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Taiwan.
Citizens of 65 countries do not require a visa to visit Taiwan and can stay for up to 90 days. Nationals of Turkey can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 30 days. It is best to check to the nearest embassy or consulate for visa requirements. Since January 2016, Taiwan offers an eVisa program for 18 countries including Saudi Arabia, Peru, Oman, and United Arab Emirates.