Hepatology & Liver Transplant Specialist, Mumbai

Fatty liver (MASLD) means fat has built up in the liver, usually linked to obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol. In its early stages it is often reversible with diet, weight loss, and exercise. Left unchecked, it can progress to steatohepatitis (NASH) and scarring. A hepatologist can assess your stage with tests such as a FibroScan and guide you before damage sets in.

A liver transplant is recommended when a person’s liver no longer functions adequately enough to keep them alive. A successful liver transplant is a life-saving procedure for people with liver failure. Liver failure can happen suddenly – called acute liver failure – as a result of infection or complications from certain medications, for example. Liver failure resulting from a long-term problem – called chronic liver failure – progresses over months, years or decades. Chronic liver failure is usually the result of cirrhosis, a condition in which healthy liver tissue has been replaced with scar tissue making the liver unable to carry out its normal functions.

Established scarring in cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but its progression can often be slowed or halted by treating the underlying cause — alcohol, viral hepatitis, or fatty liver disease. Complications such as fluid retention, variceal bleeding, and confusion (hepatic encephalopathy) are all manageable with the right care. Many patients with compensated cirrhosis remain stable for years under specialist follow-up. Liver transplant is considered if the liver decompensates despite treatment.

A team of specialists from a variety of fields will evaluate you to determine if you are a suitable candidate.

The transplant team usually consists of the following members:

• Hepatologist
• Transplant surgeon
• Transplant coordinator
• Nurse
• Social worker valuation will include assessment of you’re:
• Liver disease and other conditions you may have;
• Mental and emotional health; support system;
• Ability to adhere to the complex medical regimen required after transplant; and
• Likelihood of surviving the transplant operation.

The person who will be involved in your pre-and-post transplant care should accompany you to the appointment.