The liver is the body's largest internal organ and performs over 500 vital functions — including processing nutrients, filtering toxins, producing proteins essential for blood clotting, and metabolising medications. Liver disease encompasses a wide spectrum: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH), which now affects an estimated 25–30% of urban Indians; viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B and C), which remains a major cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer in India; alcoholic liver disease; autoimmune hepatitis; drug-induced liver injury; and inherited conditions such as Wilson's disease and haemochromatosis. Many liver conditions are silent in early stages — detected only through routine blood tests showing elevated liver enzymes. Without appropriate management, progressive liver disease leads to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Early diagnosis and intervention significantly alter the course of the disease. Dr. Atul Kakar has authored publications on liver disorders and has managed complex hepatic conditions throughout his career at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
About Liver Disease
When should you seek care?
How Dr. Kakar approaches treatment.
Evaluation begins with liver function tests, viral hepatitis serology (HBsAg, anti-HCV), autoimmune markers (ANA, AMA, smooth muscle antibody), and abdominal ultrasound. Fibroscan or liver biopsy may be arranged to assess the degree of fibrosis. Fatty liver disease is managed through structured lifestyle intervention — weight loss, dietary changes, and treatment of associated metabolic conditions (diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension). Hepatitis B is managed with antiviral therapy (tenofovir, entecavir) when indicated, with regular monitoring of viral load and liver function. Hepatitis C is now curable with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), achieving over 95% cure rates. Dr. Kakar coordinates with hepatologists and gastroenterologists for patients requiring advanced intervention, endoscopy, or liver transplant evaluation.
When to see a specialist.
Seek specialist review if your blood tests show persistently elevated liver enzymes, if you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B or C, if you have a fatty liver on ultrasound with metabolic risk factors, or if you have any symptoms of liver disease such as jaundice, abdominal swelling, or unexplained fatigue. Early review prevents progression to cirrhosis.