About Non Alcoholic Liver Disease
Key Highlights
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Addresses the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, often linked to metabolic syndrome.Focuses on lifestyle interventions as the primary and most effective treatment strategy.Utilizes non-invasive tools like FibroScan to assess liver stiffness and fat content without a biopsy.Prevents progression to serious complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer through early detection and management.Involves a multidisciplinary approach, often coordinating with dietitians and endocrinologists.
Who is this surgery for?
- Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) found on routine blood work.
- Evidence of fatty liver on abdominal ultrasound or other imaging performed for other reasons.
- Presence of metabolic risk factors: obesity (especially central adiposity), type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
- Unexplained fatigue, abdominal discomfort in the right upper quadrant, or hepatomegaly (enlarged liver).
- To stage the disease (assess for inflammation/NASH or fibrosis) when simple fatty liver is suspected to be progressing.
How to prepare
- Compile a complete medical history, including all medications, supplements, and alcohol consumption.
- Undergo initial blood tests to check liver function, rule out other liver diseases (like viral hepatitis), and assess metabolic markers.
- Fast for 8-12 hours before blood tests and certain imaging procedures like an ultrasound.
- For a FibroScan, wear comfortable clothing and inform the doctor of any pregnancy or implanted medical devices.
- If a liver biopsy is planned, stop blood-thinning medications (as advised by the doctor) and arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
Risks & possible complications
- Progression to NASH, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma if left unmanaged.
- Risks associated with liver biopsy (if required): pain, bleeding, infection, or accidental injury to a nearby organ (rare).
- Cardiovascular complications, as NAFLD is closely linked to heart disease.
- Challenges associated with sustained lifestyle change and weight management.
- Potential side effects from medications used in some cases (e.g., vitamin E, pioglitazone).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery from diagnostic tests like blood work or FibroScan is immediate; normal activities can be resumed right away.
- After a liver biopsy, rest is required for several hours; avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks.
- The core recovery process involves long-term lifestyle changes: adopting a balanced, calorie-controlled diet and engaging in regular physical activity (150+ minutes/week).
- Regular follow-up appointments with the gastroenterologist are crucial to monitor liver enzymes, fibrosis markers, and overall progress.
- Management of co-existing conditions like diabetes and hypertension is an integral part of the recovery and treatment plan.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient) or 1 day (if biopsy required)
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Expected recovery time: Ongoing lifestyle management; 1-2 weeks for biopsy recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering non alcoholic liver disease in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for non alcoholic liver disease in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform non alcoholic liver disease. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for non alcoholic liver disease compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 5 Thousand – 50 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient) or 1 day (if biopsy required) | ~ Ongoing lifestyle management; 1-2 weeks for biopsy recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 17.5 Thousand – 175 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient) or 1 day (if biopsy required) | ~ Ongoing lifestyle management; 1-2 weeks for biopsy recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Non Alcoholic Liver Disease in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing non alcoholic liver disease.
Myra Mehta, a 52-year-old high school...
Myra Mehta, a 52-year-old high school principal, had always been health-conscious but struggled with her weight since her 40s. Despite a vegetarian diet, she had a sweet tooth and led a sedentary life due to her demanding job. For over a year, she felt persistent fatigue, a dull ache in her upper right abdomen, and noticed her skin had a slight yellowish tint. Blood work ordered by her GP showed elevated liver enzymes. Her gastroenterologist, Dr. Sharma, recommended a FibroScan, a non-invasive procedure to assess liver stiffness and fat content, suspecting Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Myra was anxious, fearing a serious illness. The FibroScan was quick and painless, involving a probe placed on her skin. Results confirmed significant hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) with early fibrosis. Emotionally, she felt a mix of relief at having an answer and fear about the future. Dr. Sharma outlined a treatment plan focused on weight loss through diet and exercise. Six months later, dedicated to lifestyle changes, a follow-up scan showed remarkable improvement. Myra felt empowered, her energy returned, and the abdominal pain vanished. Her journey shifted from anxiety to proactive control over her health.
Gastroenterologists for Non Alcoholic Liver Disease
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform non alcoholic liver disease and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai