Dr. Pathik Parikh Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Physician

The year 2019 has seen one of the major changes in the transplantation scenario in Gujarat. There was the establishment of SOTTO in January this year. After the enforcement of SOTTO guidelines, the  Liver transplant program  is likely to get much more streamlined. The organ distribution process is going to be much more transparent and predictable. Liver Transplant  is now an established mode of treatment for end stage liver disease with success rate around 90% in most of the centers.  Patients from Gujarat  are traveling outside the state to get their liver transplant done. During that time, they not only end up paying a high cost for the transplant but to stay there for two to three months is a burden mentally, emotionally and financially. Liver Transplant services are already established and  fully functional in Ahmedabad . There is number of transplant centers providing liver transplant services by one of the most eminent liver specialists in the country. There are few cente

Liver disease and liver failure are usually treated by   specialists called hepatologists . Liver Disease may occur acute or chronic based on the time frame of the illness. Acute   liver diseases   are the liver diseases which occur over a very short time. They need to be urgently taken care of as it can progress to liver failure and may warrant an urgent liver transplant. The treatment of acute liver disease which has not progressed to liver failure is usually home based and supportive. However, there is probability of it progressing to liver failure in just a couple of days and so should always be treated by a Hepatologist. If the disease progresses towards liver failure, it warrants admission and care in intensive care setting. It should ideally be carried out by specialists and in a center where liver transplant can be carried out if need arises so. Timely presentation and management is crucial for survival in such patients. The usual causes of acute   liver disease in Ahme

Liver disease   is the 10th most common reason for death in India. There is a rising prevalence of liver disease in Gujarat as well as rest of India. With the rise in the disease prevalence, there is also rise in awareness amongst doctors and patients likewise about the spectrum of   liver problems . However, there are lots of misconceptions about the clinical features of liver disease. People feel that when they develop gas, acidity, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea they are because of unhealthy liver. This is not true when you develop a problem with your liver, there is usually no symptom. Liver disease is asymptomatic till it reaches a progressed stage. When the disease is quite progressed, only then you develop jaundice, fluid in tummy, swelling of legs, blood in vomit, black colored stools, altered behavior and decrease in urine output. In this case when there are no symptoms, you need to be cautious and get yourself evaluated for liver disease if you have any risk fac