Liver health for all
Maria Fernandes/NT
Liver disease is becoming an increasingly serious health concern in India, affecting thousands of lives every year. For many patients, a liver transplant often remains the only chance at survival. Senior Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgeon at Medanta, Delhi, Dr. Prashant Bhangui, was recently featured as a guest on The Navhind Times talk show, Talk from the Heart, which recently aired on the Goa 365 channel.
A son of the soil, Dr. Bhangui reflected on his early years and education in Goa, as well as his advanced training in France under globally acclaimed liver surgery pioneer Dr. Henri Bismuth. Crediting Bismuth with shaping his approach to patient care and surgical excellence, he also highlighted the advanced medical ecosystem in France. “One of the most important lessons I learnt was that treatment in liver disease cannot be standardised,” he said, emphasising the need for personalised medicine. “Even if two patients have the same condition, factors such as tumour size, liver function and overall health require completely different treatment approaches.”
He also underscored the importance of an integrated healthcare model, where medical, surgical and radiological services are available under one roof. “This ensures seamless care for patients, and it is a system I have tried to replicate in India,” he noted. Another key takeaway, he said, was the urgency required in treating liver conditions. “Delays can be life-threatening. The principle is simple; act immediately,” he added.
Turning to the Indian scenario, Dr. Bhangui warned that liver disease is emerging as a major public health concern, often going undetected until advanced stages. “Many people associate liver disease only with alcohol but there are several other causes,” he explained.
He outlined the progression of liver disease, from fatty liver to fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis, which is the end stage. “This process can take years and symptoms usually appear only after significant damage has occurred, sometimes when up to 70 per cent of liver function is already lost,” he said.
Apart from alcohol, he identified chronic infections such as hepatitis B and C, as well as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), as leading causes. The latter is increasingly common among individuals with obesity, diabetes, hypertension and sedentary lifestyles. “Lifestyle-related liver disease is becoming a silent epidemic, especially among working professionals with desk-bound jobs,” he cautioned.
On early detection, Bhangui stressed the importance of regular screening for high-risk individuals. “Simple tests like liver function tests, lipid profiles and ultrasound scans can help detect early changes,” he said. He also advised monitoring for symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, abdominal swelling and itching and seeking timely medical consultation.
Addressing concerns about jaundice in newborns, he clarified that most cases are temporary and resolve with minimal treatment. However, he pointed out that rare congenital conditions such as biliary atresia may require early surgical intervention and in some cases, liver transplantation.
Bhangui also noted a rise in liver cancer cases, linking it directly to the increasing prevalence of liver disease. “Nearly 90 per cent of primary liver cancers occur in already damaged livers,” he said. Emphasising prevention, he concluded, “Maintaining liver health and ensuring regular screening for those at risk is crucial in tackling this growing burden.”
