Lucknow: Every fifth life claimed by liver diseases in India is reported in UP and a good number of patients can survive if better transplant facilities are available in the state.Doctors at ApolloMedics Hospital, who performed seven liver transplants in the past three months, on Wednesday underscored the need for creating awareness on prevention.Stating that liver disease and cirrhosis are the eighth leading cause of death in the country, Dr Abhishek Yadav, senior director and head (liver transplant and hepatobiliary surgery), said that delayed diagnosis, lack of awareness and limited transplant-ready centres were pushing patients towards late-stage liver failure.Dr Utkarsh Srivastava said that rising prevalence of fatty liver disease, affecting nearly 30-35% of the population, was adding another layer to the challenge.About challenges in UP, consultant gastroenterology Dr Jayendra Shukla said, “The problem is worsened by delayed referrals and limited transplant-ready facilities.”Suggesting that a multidisciplinary approach was critical for liver care, director, gastroenterology, Dr Rajeev Ranjan Singh said: “Treatment often involves multiple specialties working in tandem. With this integrated model, the hospital performed over seven liver transplants in past three months, among the highest in the region.”MD and CEO Dr Mayank Somani said that most of these transplants belonged to ‘live’ category (which means that a family member donated a part of their liver for their dear ones in need). “The outcomes were satisfactory because of coordinated efforts,” he said.
