Hepatitis C is a virus that can attack and damage the liver. It’s one of the most serious hepatitis viruses. This virus can lead to various complications, including liver transplant. In some cases, it can even lead to death.
For most people, acute hepatitis C will develop into a chronic condition that does require treatment. Since the virus often doesn’t produce symptoms until after liver damage occurs, it’s important to get tested for it if you think you might’ve been exposed.
Every case of this disease begins as acute. It occurs a few weeks after exposure. For many people, this stage of the virus has no symptoms. If you do experience symptoms, they can begin weeks or months after exposure to the virus. Possible symptoms include:
Most cases of acute hepatitis C will develop into a chronic condition. Chronic hepatitis C usually has no symptoms until it causes a large amount of liver scarring (cirrhosis) and other liver damage. Over many years, the virus attacks the liver and causes damage. This can lead to liver failure or even death.
In the past, chronic hepatitis C was treated with a combination of ribavirin and interferon. Rather than directly attacking the virus, these drugs worked by boosting the activity of your immune system. The immune system would then kill the virus.
The goal of this treatment was to rid your body of the virus. These medications had a variable cure rate and could have significant side effects.
However, since 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved many antivirals that attack Viruses more directly. These drugs have much better success rates than older treatments. Some of the most recommended treatments for different genotypes include:
You should tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Your doctor will tell you how they should be used before and after the procedure.
Your doctor may change the dose of any medications that could affect the outcome of laparoscopy. These drugs include:
You should also tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This will reduce the risk of harm to your developing baby.
Before laparoscopy, your doctor may order blood tests, urinalysis, electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), and chest X-ray. Your doctor might also perform certain imaging tests, including an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan.
These tests can help your doctor better understand the abnormality being examined during laparoscopy. The results also give your doctor a visual guide to the inside of your abdomen. This can improve the effectiveness of laparoscopy.
You’ll probably need to avoid eating and drinking for at least eight hours before laparoscopy. You should also arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home after the procedure. Laparoscopy is often performed using general anesthesia, which can make you drowsy and unable to drive for several hours after surgery.