John Wilbert &Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 21: The prevalence of liver disease in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has reached alarming levels, according to medical experts from Apollo Hospitals. Most individuals remain unaware of their condition until it becomes too late, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive healthcare measures.
During a press conference held at Apollo Hospital, Dr.Elankumar K, Head of the Liver Disease and Transplantation Center, and Dr.NivasVenkatachalapathi, Consultant for Liver Transplant and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery at Apollo Hospital Chennai, highlighted the surge in severe liver diseases in patients from the Andaman Islands. They identified alcohol consumption and fatty liver as the primary causes of liver disease in the region.
Dr.Elankumar K emphasized the hospital’s commitment to providing the best possible healthcare to patients. Regular clinic consultations have been conducted in the Andaman Islands, with Dr.Nivas making regular visits over the past two years. The doctors stressed that while issues related to cardiology and diabetes are well-known and widely addressed, liver diseases, gastrointestinal problems, stomach diseases, and liver cancer often go undetected until they reach an advanced stage.
People need to be aware that liver diseases often remain asymptomatic until the condition has progressed significantly, making early detection crucial. The rise in liver diseases in the Andaman Islands can be attributed to factors such as alcohol consumption, fatty liver, an increase in diabetes cases, an unhealthy diet, and a lack of regular exercise. Neglecting these factors gradually damages the liver, and once the disease becomes severe, the risks associated with the condition outweigh the risks of a liver transplant.
To raise awareness, the medical team has initiated various initiatives, including public lectures and discussions at medical meetings. Their goal is to increase awareness about undiagnosed liver diseases, their symptoms, and the importance of seeking timely treatment.
Dr.NivasVenkatachalapathi, focusing on liver transplants and liver diseases, mentioned that apart from performing liver donor transplants, the hospital also specializes in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgeries, including surgeries for pancreatic cancer and biliary problems. The hospital has adopted robotic surgery for these procedures, utilizing two robotic systems at Apollo Chennai. Robotic surgeries offer advantages such as reduced post-operative pain and shorter hospital stays of 2 to 3 days, while maintaining comparable outcomes to traditional open surgeries.
Apollo Hospital, a prominent healthcare group with over 79 hospitals across India, is recognized for its advanced technology and treatments. In Chennai, the hospital boasts five robotic surgery systems, the highest among private hospitals in the region. The medical experts encourage individuals in the Andaman Islands to take advantage of the available facilities and consultations. If further treatment is required in Apollo Chennai, the local doctors can guide patients on the process, treatment options, and associated expenses, ensuring a comfortable and well-prepared experience.
