Gastroenterologists call for early intervention to manage liver conditions

Gastroenterologists have called for early intervention to effectively manage liver conditions and ensure timely treatment. To mark World Liver Day, April 19, they got together to discuss the topic — Liver Disease Explained: When Is a Transplant the Only Option?, under the Wellness series, at a webinar jointly presented by Kauvery Hospital and The Hindu. The panel of doctors underscored that while modern liver transplant techniques have evolved into greater success, the silent progression of liver disease is counterproductive.

E. Kandaswamy, Senior Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist, Kauvery Hospital, Tirunelveli, said end-stage liver disease remains a major cause of mortality and called for early intervention that can prevent decompensation, reduce hospitalisation, and sometimes even help to avoid a transplant. He said that liver problems were strongly associated with alcoholism, chronic obesity, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, cholesterol, and autoimmune hepatitis. “Jaundice, gastrointestinal bleeding, recurrent sepsis, sarcopenia, encephalopathy, and weight loss are the red flags,” said Dr.Kandaswamy and urged people with such issues to undergo timely screenings. “Even teenagers are getting fatty liver due to unhealthy eating and lifestyle,” he added.