Medical science evolves continuously, and staying updated is not just a professional responsibility—it is essential for delivering the best possible care to our patients.
I had the privilege of serving as a Chairperson during Session 9 – “Difficult Decisions in HPB Surgery: Expanding Boundaries and Improving Outcomes” on Day 2 of the 8th Annual Frontiers in Liver Disease (FILD 2026), held at Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru. The conference, themed “Decoding Liver Care – Crisis to Cure,” brought together leading hepatologists, liver transplant surgeons, gastroenterologists, and physicians from across the country to discuss the latest advances in liver disease diagnosis and management.
Chairing this scientific session was both an honour and a valuable learning opportunity. The discussions covered several complex clinical scenarios, including risk assessment for surgery in cirrhotic patients, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), optimal timing of liver transplant referral, TIPS beyond ascites management, and management of post-transplant biliary complications. These evidence-based discussions reinforced the importance of timely diagnosis, multidisciplinary decision-making, and individualized patient care.
One of the strongest messages throughout the conference was that many liver diseases are preventable, detectable early, and treatable when evaluated at the right time. Conditions such as fatty liver disease (MASLD), alcohol-related liver disease, viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, and metabolic liver disorders are becoming increasingly common in routine clinical practice. Early identification of liver fibrosis and prompt intervention can significantly reduce the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
As a physician, I believe that liver care should begin long before complications develop. In my practice at Kalpana Multispeciality Clinic, I focus on the systematic evaluation of patients with:
* Fatty liver (MASLD/previously NAFLD)
* Alcohol-related liver injury
* Abnormal liver function tests (LFTs)
* Viral hepatitis and infectious causes of liver disease
* Jaundice and recurrent liver enzyme abnormalities
* Cirrhosis screening and early referral when indicated
My approach emphasizes identifying the underlying cause, assessing liver damage, managing associated metabolic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, counselling regarding alcohol cessation, and ensuring timely referral for advanced hepatology or transplant care whenever required.
I sincerely thank the organizing committee of FILD 2026 for the opportunity to chair this scientific session and interact with some of the country’s finest experts in hepatology and liver transplantation. Such academic platforms inspire us to continually refine our clinical practice and translate the latest scientific evidence into better patient care.
Every conference reminds me of one important principle: continuous learning ultimately benefits the patients we serve.
Dr Chetan K Ganteppanavar
Consultant Physician
Kalpana Multispeciality Clinic,
Hubballi
Appointments : 814-714-8724