Your Liver Health Matters
The liver is the body's largest internal organ and performs over 500 vital functions — detoxification, protein synthesis, bile production, metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Liver disease affects millions of Indians and, if untreated, can progress silently to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Dr. Raman Garg, a senior surgical gastroenterologist at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda, provides comprehensive liver disease management — from early diagnosis to complex hepatic surgery.
Liver Conditions We Treat
Fatty Liver (NAFLD/NASH)
Most common liver disorder. Caused by obesity, diabetes, high triglycerides. Early-stage reversible with lifestyle changes.
Hepatitis B & C
Viral infections causing liver inflammation. Chronic hepatitis leads to cirrhosis & liver cancer. Treatable with antiviral therapy.
Alcoholic Liver Disease
Spectrum from fatty liver → hepatitis → cirrhosis from chronic alcohol use. Abstinence is key.
Liver Cirrhosis
End-stage scarring of liver from any cause. Managed to prevent complications (ascites, bleeding, encephalopathy).
Liver Cancer (HCC)
Primary liver cancer, often arising in cirrhotic liver. Treated with surgery, ablation, or TACE depending on stage.
Liver Abscess
Bacterial or amoebic pus collection in liver. Treated with antibiotics ± drainage.
Bile Duct Diseases
Strictures, stones (choledocholithiasis), cholangitis. Managed with ERCP or surgery.
Liver Trauma
Injuries from accidents. May require emergency surgery or non-operative management.
Warning Signs of Liver Disease
See a doctor promptly if you notice:
- Jaundice — yellow discolouration of eyes or skin
- Dark, tea-coloured urine
- Pale, clay-coloured stools
- Abdominal swelling (fluid accumulation / ascites)
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Easy bruising or bleeding (from cuts)
- Itching all over the body
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- Upper right abdominal pain or fullness
- Mental confusion or disorientation (hepatic encephalopathy)
Diagnostic Tests for Liver Disease
- Liver Function Tests (LFT) — ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, albumin
- Hepatitis serology — HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HCV, viral load
- Coagulation profile — PT/INR (liver's synthetic function)
- Ultrasound abdomen — fatty liver, cirrhosis, masses, ascites
- FibroScan / Elastography — non-invasive liver fibrosis assessment
- CT scan / MRI liver — characterization of liver masses, staging
- Liver biopsy — histological diagnosis when needed
- AFP tumour marker — for hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
- Upper GI endoscopy — to check for oesophageal varices in cirrhosis
Surgical Treatment Options
- Laparoscopic liver resection (hepatectomy) — for liver cancer, benign tumours (hemangioma, adenoma)
- ERCP — endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy — gallbladder removal when causing liver complications
- Liver abscess drainage — ultrasound-guided or surgical
- Management of portal hypertension complications — ascites drainage, variceal band ligation
How to Keep Your Liver Healthy
- Maintain healthy body weight (BMI <25)
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains
- Limit alcohol consumption or abstain completely
- Avoid self-medication and unnecessary supplements
- Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B
- Practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles
- Exercise regularly — at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week
- Get regular liver health check-ups if at risk
