Elizabeth E. Powell is a gastroenterologist based in Woolloongabba, Brisbane. She works from 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba QLD 4102. Her focus is on the gut and, in particular, liver-related conditions.
In many cases, people see her because of liver symptoms or liver test results that need a closer look. This can include things like jaundice, swelling in the belly (ascites), and issues linked with fluid in the abdomen. At times, patients also come in after being told they may have a long-term liver problem, such as cirrhosis.
Elizabeth also helps manage non-alcohol related fatty liver disease and related conditions. This includes Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), and metabolic syndrome. Because these conditions often sit alongside weight and blood sugar problems, her care can also connect to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity.
There are also alcohol-related liver conditions she looks after, including alcoholic cirrhosis. She may be involved in care when the liver is struggling to do its usual job, which can lead to liver failure and other complications.
Liver infections and complications are another big part of the picture. For example, she works with people who have spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, as well as other types of peritonitis. Sepsis can happen in serious cases, so timely gut and liver care matters.
Some patients are referred because of hepatitis and viral liver disease. This can include hepatitis B and hepatitis C, along with ongoing hepatitis-related problems. Others may have conditions like haemochromatosis, where the body stores too much iron, leading to strain on organs over time.
When liver disease affects circulation in the abdomen, portal hypertension can develop. Elizabeth helps manage the effects of this, including things like an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) and an enlarged liver. In some situations, she also supports patients being assessed for liver cancer or changes that need careful monitoring.
If kidney function becomes affected alongside severe liver illness, she may be part of the team managing hepatorenal syndrome. She also looks at broader symptoms and complications that can come with severe liver stress, including pneumonia that may happen during tough periods of illness.
