In this article
- The stages
- Warning signs that you have moved beyond 'fatty liver'
- What a transplant surgeon adds
- Prevention still works
The stages
Simple fatty liver (steatosis) is reversible with weight loss and sugar control. When fat causes inflammation it becomes NASH; years of NASH produce scarring (fibrosis) and eventually cirrhosis, where the liver can no longer regenerate normally.
Warning signs that you have moved beyond 'fatty liver'
Low platelet count on a routine blood test, a FibroScan score above 10 kPa, swelling of legs or abdomen, easy bruising, or an ultrasound describing a 'coarse' or 'shrunken' liver.
What a transplant surgeon adds
Even in cirrhosis, many patients do well for years with medical care. But when the MELD score rises, complications repeat, or a liver cancer appears, early transplant evaluation gives the best outcomes. Dr Gupta sees these patients in the evening clinic in Indirapuram and coordinates the full work-up at Yatharth Hospital.
Prevention still works
A 7–10% weight loss, control of diabetes, no alcohol and regular exercise can halt progression at every stage before cirrhosis.
Dr Manoj Gupta
MBBS, MS, DNB (GI Surgery). Senior Director & Head, Robotic & Laparoscopic GI Surgery, GI Oncology and Liver Transplant, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital. 20+ years, 500+ liver transplants.
This article is general medical education and does not replace a consultation. Figures quoted are from the sources listed and from typical outcomes at experienced centres; your own numbers depend on your condition.
