An exhibition showcasing liver samples at different stages of degeneration was organised by the department of Hepatology at the Rajiv Gandhi General Government Hospital on Friday, marking the World Hepatitis Day . The exhibition was followed by a human chain, formed by all the nurses working at the GH, to spread awareness about liver diseases, especially Hepatitis B and C. The event was attended by the State Health Minister V. S. Vijay.
Along with interactive diagrams and posters, the exhibition had a unique display of 12 liver samples arranged according to different pathogens representing different stages of deterioration of the liver cells. There was a patient councillor present explaining the samples and addressing queries. An awareness program was also played emphasizing the seriousness of Hepatitis B and C, and highlighting the need for an early diagnosis.
The first liver sample among the 12 that were displayed in glass containers was that of a healthy liver. The healthy sample was displayed to demonstrate the parts of the liver and to provide a contrast to the infected samples. P. Sudan, the patient councillor said, “As the liver undergoes levels of morphological changes, the healthy red colour gradually fades out as the liver dies.”
The infected samples included a liver infected with early tonic cirrhosis identified as the first level of degradation. That is followed by other stages of scarring of the liver like Micronodular cirrhosis, CVC liver fibrosis, Gumma Liver and Haemangioma liver. At the final stages of pathogenesis, a liver may be affected by Hepatocellular Carcinoma, for which the only treatment is transplantation.
According to experts, most of the liver diseases can be caused by alcoholism or by being infected with the Hepatitis virus .
Dr. Vijay, interacting with those present, appreciated the idea of setting up an exhibition for educating people about liver diseases.
