The incidences of people affected with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases are growing at an alarming rate and lifestyle disorders leading to obesity and diabetes are now the major causes for liver diseases, said Head of Liver Transplantation at Global Hospitals Tom Cherian here on Friday.
“Unfortunately, the symptoms of liver diseases appear at an advanced stage. People who have experienced an abnormal weight loss, severe jaundice, water accumulation should immediately consult physician,” said Dr. Cherian at a media conference.
Simple diagnostic procedures
Simple diagnostic procedures like urine test, AHCD, Fatty Liver test and later Ultra Scan, viral serum would help identify the problem at an early stage, he said.
Fatty liver disease
Senior hepatologist, Dharmesh Kapoor said that liver problems could be prevented by vaccination and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Hepatitis B, the most common cause of a liver disease, is not included in universal immunisation programme.
Fatty liver disease is also a common lifestyle disease, he pointed out. “About 300-400 million are affected by liver related ailments worldwide and in India, diabetes and obesity are causing liver diseases. But liver disease is not a death sentence as more number of people are being treated by liver transplant.
Global Hospitals is India’s largest multi organ transplant centre and we have so far completed 350 liver transplants,” Dr. Cherian said.
Liver transplants
For instance, Thotakura Prabhakara Rao, a retired lecturer, got a liver transplanted from his daughter who flew in from USA. “We need to have more awareness on liver ailments and organ transplantation. Organs from medically and legally dead persons could be used in transplant and save another person’s life. Liver transplants should also be included in diseases covered under insurance,’’ said Dr. Cherian.
Chronic liver diseases could also lead to Pancreatic Cancer and Colon Cancer, which could be cured by surgery, they said.
