Second Opinion — Liver Disease, Mumbai
Second Opinion for Liver Disease & Liver Transplant
Dr. Chetan Kalal — DM Hepatologist, Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai. Independent expert review for cirrhosis, ACLF, HCC, transplant candidacy, and complex hepatology diagnoses. In-person and tele-consultation.
Why Seek a Second Opinion for Liver Disease?
Liver disease is one of the most complex fields in medicine. A diagnosis of cirrhosis, ACLF, liver cancer, or the recommendation for liver transplant carries enormous weight — medically, financially, and personally. In this context, an independent expert review is not a sign of distrust; it is a standard part of serious medical decision-making.
A second opinion can confirm that you are on the right treatment path, identify options that weren’t considered, correct a misdiagnosis, clarify whether transplant is truly needed and when, or provide the confidence to proceed with a major intervention knowing a second expert agrees.
When Is a Second Opinion Especially Important?
Liver Transplant Decision
Told you need a transplant — or told you don’t qualify when you believe you should. MELD score, LDLT vs DDLT, timing, and centre selection all benefit from an independent hepatologist review.
ACLF — Acute Deterioration
Admitted with ACLF, multiple organ failures, or a high CLIF-C score — and uncertain about prognosis or next steps. Dr. Kalal specialises in ACLF and has managed over 500 ACLF episodes.
Liver Cancer (HCC) Staging
HCC has multiple treatment paths — ablation, resection, TACE, SIRT, transplant, systemic therapy. The right choice depends on liver function, tumour stage, and the treating team’s expertise. An independent staging review clarifies options.
Uncertain Diagnosis
Abnormal liver tests, an inconclusive biopsy, or a diagnosis of “cryptogenic cirrhosis” — a specialist review of all records, imaging, and histology often clarifies the aetiology and changes management.
Treatment Not Working
On treatment for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, autoimmune hepatitis, or Wilson’s disease — but not responding as expected. Review of treatment adequacy, resistance testing, and alternative regimens.
International & Outstation Patients
Travelling to Mumbai for a major liver procedure and want an independent pre-operative review. Video consultation available before your trip for overseas and outstation patients.
What to Bring for Your Second Opinion
All discharge summaries, OPD notes, and consultation letters from previous doctors. The more complete, the better.
LFT, CBC, INR, creatinine, sodium, albumin, bilirubin, viral markers (HBsAg, anti-HCV, HBV DNA, HCV RNA), autoimmune panel, iron studies — all available reports.
Ultrasound, CECT abdomen, MRI liver, PET scan, FibroScan report — original CDs/films preferred. Recent imaging (within 3 months) most useful.
Liver biopsy histopathology report with METAVIR/Ishak score if available. Original paraffin blocks can be reviewed if diagnosis is uncertain.
Complete list of all current medications with doses, including Ayurvedic, herbal, or over-the-counter supplements. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is commonly missed.
Write down your specific concerns before the appointment. Do I really need a transplant? Is this diagnosis correct? What is my prognosis? Are there other treatment options?
Dr. Kalal’s Background — Why This Second Opinion Is Worth It
- DM Hepatology, ILBS New Delhi (2016) — First DM Hepatologist of Maharashtra, trained under Prof S.K. Sarin
- 1,000+ liver transplants as part of transplant hepatology team at Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai
- APASL AARC Working Group member — Asia’s premier ACLF research body
- Principal Investigator, MAHAL RCT — India’s largest randomised trial in acute liver failure
- 26 PubMed-indexed publications across ACLF, liver transplant, viral hepatitis, nutrition, and MASLD
- Advisory panels: Novo Nordisk (GLP-1 in MASLD), Eli Lilly (tirzepatide in MASH)
- Invited faculty at APASL, AASLD, INASL, LIVERCON, LTSICON — annual international and national conferences
Get Your Second Opinion — In-Person or by Video
Send your reports in advance and book a focused review appointment. Most second opinion consultations are completed in one visit with a clear written summary of findings and recommendations.
Second Opinion for Liver Disease — Serving Patients from Across India & Asia
HyderabadAhmedabadPuneKolkata
UAE / DubaiBangladeshNepalSri Lanka
Video consultations available for outstation and international patients. Send reports to dr.chetankalal@gmail.com before your appointment.