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New Hepatitis C Drug Approved

Today, the FDA approved the latest drug to treat hepatitis C. Manufactiured by Gilead, a combination of Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir, it has a better than 95% cure rate. Called Harvoni, it will be available shortly for patients. For more information, call our office at 713-794-0700 for more details.    


Hepatitis C, Exercise, and the Value to Patients

Over the past several years, has been growing research evidence that individuals that have hepatitis C are at  greater risk for developing scarring in the liver, fibrosis, and eventual development of cirrhosis. These patients also are likely to be overweight, have a superimposed fatty liver, diabetes, and increased levels of insulin circulating in their blood. All of these features trigger inflammation throughout the body, and especially in the liver, putting them at risk for damage and scar tissue development.   We previously have discussed the role of diet and hepatitis C, and the simple truth is that there is no special diet specific for hepatitis C. We always recommend a diet high in fruits and vegetables, fresh lean meat, chicken, and fish, and the avoidance of processed foods. These processed foods are high and salt, sugar, and fat. They have very little …


Hepatitis C Research Opportunities with Dr. Joseph Galati: 2013

Listed below are the updated hepatitis C research protocols that Liver Specialists of Texas and Dr. Galati are currently conducting. The studies are in various stages of enrollment, and some may have already met the limit of how many patients we can enroll. A PDF version is available here.   New studies are being added every few weeks, so depending on your situation, and past experience with hepatitis C treatment, new opportunities may be available soon.   Currently, the ongoing studies are making use of both interferon based therapies, as well as interferon-free therapies. It is probable that the next wave of FDA approvals will be for the interferon-free protocols.   Kindly call Dee Wade at 713-794-0700 to inquire about hepatitis C research opportunities.     Research Specialists of Texas List of Ongoing Studies   No. Sponsor Protocol # Protocol …


Boceprevir Receives FDA Approval: A You Tube Video

    A You Tube video of the announcement by Dr. Joe Galati is posted, discussing how Liver Specialists of Texas will evaluate and treat both new and old patients with Boceprevir.   After years of research, and great anticipation by patients and physicians involved in the care of patients with hepatitis C, Boceprevier was finially approved yesterday.     Yesterday was a very important day for those of us involved in the care of patients with hepatitis C, as well as the millions of individuals affected by it. I received word yesterday afternoon that the FDA has approved boceprevir for the treatment of G1 CHC in previously untreated patients and patients who have failed previous interferon and ribavirin therapy. Boceprevir is the first in class direct acting antiviral to be FDA approved for CHC. Manufactured by Merck pharmaceutical company, the …


Conatus Continues New HCV Drug Development

A new financial report by Conatus, a company who is involved with HCV drug development, reports continued investment in their new HCV drugs. We are fortunate that we are conducting studies with their new agents, with good results. For more information, read the blog entry here.


Colon Cancer Interview With Dr. Joe Galati

This is an archived radio interview and podcast Dr. Galati performed a few years ago during an episode of "Your Health First", his weekly radio program on Clear Channel's 740 KTRH. He was discussing colon cancer with two patients who have an interesting story to tell regarding colon cancer.   The podcast can be listed to by going to the podcast page, where you will see all of the podcast episodes.


March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Podcast

March is colon cancer awareness month. Listen to Dr. Galati's podcast here. Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer also is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. More than 90% of cases occur in people aged 50 or older. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. However, many people who are at risk for the disease are not being screened according to national guidelines. It is estimated that as many as 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely. In most cases, colorectal cancer develops from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. …


PODCAST: Liver Transplant Evaluation

In this podcast,  Dr. Joe Galati discusses the liver transplant evaluation process that is used at The Methodist Hospital Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation. Individuals with end-stage liver disease, who have experienced various complication of cirrhosis, are considered for transplantation. Diseases that lead to cirrhosis include the following: chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver, autoimmune disorders, and other genetic disorders of the liver.   The evaluation process usually takes place as an out-patient, where you are seen by one of our liver transplant surgeons, as well as specialized nurse coordinators, social worker, dietitian, financial counselors, and other medical specialists such as cardiology, psychiatry, and lung specialists as needed.   Once evaluated and approved, patients are listed for transplant. Priority for transplant is based on the MELD score. The higher the MELD score, the …


Colonoscopy Bowel Prep Instruction (with Podcast)

  HALFLYTELY BOWEL PREP INSTRUCTIONS NOTE: Before beginning the following steps, have your prescription for Halflytely® filled. THE DAY BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE: *Make sure to take the Bisacodyl tablets at 10a.m. then wait 6 hours to start Halflytely® *CLEAR LIQUIDS ONLY, ALL DAY BEFORE PROCEDURE. Clear liquids include black coffee or tea, clear fruit juices (apple or white grape), broth or bouillon, non-red gelatin dessert, Sprite, Gatorade and Ginger ale. 1.    In the morning, after a clear liquid breakfast, prepare your Halflytely® solution according to the instructions on the package and refrigerate. 2.    Have a clear liquid lunch. 3.    By 10 a.m. – Begin by taking the 2 time released Bisacodyl tablets provided in the prep kit box. 4.    At 4 p.m. – begin drinking Halflytely® as instructed – 8 oz. every 10-15 minutes until the bottle is empty. (Rapidly …


Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease

Obesity, and all of its related complications, is more serious than most adults in America believe. More than one-third (34.9% or 78.6 million) of U.S. adults are obese. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and certain types of cancer, are some of the leading causes of preventable death. We are seeing an increase in the number of young children and adolescents developing obesity, and all of the related complications.

The cost of obesity is staggering, with annual medical cost of obesity exceeding $147 billion in 2008 U.S. dollars. The medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight.

Dr. Galati and the Liver Specialists of Texas team are dedicated to evaluate, treat, and manage all aspects of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD and NASH), including the complication of cirrhosis and liver failure. Developing a customized plan of care for each patient they see is their objective.

Liver Transplant Resources

Dr. Galati has been involved in Liver Transplantation since 1989. As Medical Director for the Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation at Houston Methodist Hospital, Dr. Galati has cared for thousands of patients with advanced liver disease. In those with the most severe form of advanced liver disease and cirrhosis, liver transplantation is a life-saving surgery. For more information on liver transplantation, click here.

Indications for liver transplant include:

Online LIVER Second Opinion

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    From the comfort of your home, without the need to spend additional money on travel, lodging, and food, receive and expert second opinion from the expert physicians at Liver Specialists of Texas

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    There are five steps in the process of requesting a second opinion. We anticipate the steps will take you about 30-65 minutes to complete.

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    Have your medical records or those of your loved one on hand as you fill out the medical history questionnaire portion of the online process. The medical history questionnaire is detailed so having medical records to quickly reference will help make the process more efficient.

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    To start the process of an Online Liver Second Opinion, please fill out the initial contact form and fax back to our office. A representative from our office will call you for additional details.