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International Experts at a Gastro-Intestinal Conference organised by the MIOT Hospitals today expressed concern over the exponential increase in the incidence of liver diseases in India.

Speaking at MIOT Advanced Gastro Intestinal Conference MAGICON- 2010 (in which 300 delegates, including National and International faculty members) Prof. Dr. George M Chandy, heading the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology said gastrointestinal and liver diseases are on the increase in our country. 60-70% of our people suffer from diseases of the digestive system. Life style changes, sedentary habits, dietary indiscretion and substance abuse have taken a heavy toll on the health of our people.

MAGICON 2010, a CME meet to update in Gastroenterology and Hepatology was organized by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology – Tamilnadu chapter and MIOT Hospitals, focused on recent technological developments as well as state-of-the-art medical and surgical practice in the speciality.

Professor. Elwyn Elias, former Professor and Head of the Liver transplantation unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, England, and Professor. Ian Roberts Thomson, Professor and Head, Department of Gastroenterology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, Australia, lead the team of experts who were the faculty for the conference.

Topic of discussion includes

The incidence of liver diseases in India is increasing exponentially. Studies have shown that 30% of Indians suffer from fatty liver disease. Metabolic syndromes, alcohol abuse and viral infections – Hepatitis A,B,C and E are some of the factors that have caused this added burden of liver disease in India. 4% of Indians suffer from Hepatitis B infection while 1% suffer from Hepatitis C infection.

One of the difficulties in tackling liver disease is that it remains silent for the most part. When the disease presents, it is often too late. Hence the need for regular health checks and prevention strategies. For eg., Hepatitis B can be effectively prevented by taking the vaccine. Earlier, the HBV vaccine was imported and was very expensive. Today, with the Indian pharmaceutical industry having came of age, the HBV vaccine is available even at Rs.15 per dose. Three doses are required at 0, 1 month and 6 months. Transmission from mother to child can be prevented through these strategies. Use of safe blood, avoiding blood transfusion unless absolutely essential and saying ‘NO’ to injections for trivial medical problems will help reduce the spread of HBV and HCV infection.

A number of newer treatment options are now available to reduce the quantity of Hepatitis B virus in the blood.

If liver disease progresses relentlessly, it goes on to cirrhosis and end stage liver disease (ESLD). The only cure available in that situation is liver transplantation.

Though accurate statistics are unavailable in our country, a recent estimate put the number of cirrhosis at over half a million. If even 10% of these progress to ESLD, it means that there are 50,000 Indians in need of liver transplantation at any one time. It is therefore important to look at reducing the cost of liver transplantation. It should be possible to put together an effective programme at MIOT Hospitals and provide the facility at 8-10 lakhs per transplantation. The cost of liver transplantation overseas ranges from 70 lakhs to 1.2 crores.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a minimally invasive method to tackle GI, biliary and pancreatic disorders without surgery. Newer modalities like NARROW BAND IMAGING and SPY GLASS provide better visualization of the gastrointestinal tract and the biliary tree. Therapeutic procedures can be effectively performed – removal of stones, stenting the bile duct, etc. These will be presented by experts in the field.

The Endoscopic ultrasound combines video endoscopy with ultrasonography to identify lesions, stage tumours and to proceed with therapy. The use of capsule endoscopy in preference to enteroscope to tackle diseases of the small intestine is an emerging, exciting modality. Interventional radiology to manage gastrointestinal bleeding requires expertise.

10% of our population suffers from gall stone disease. Pancreatic calculi leads to chronic pancreatitis. Dyspepsia affects 30-35% of our population.

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) afflicts 10-15% of our people. A clearer understanding of the causes of these disease entities with nationwide or at least statewise epidemiological data is the need of the hour.

The Indian society of Gastroenterology Tamilnady branch and MIOT Hospitals attempted to answer some of these questions during this conference. For the post graduates and trainees, the conference was an opportunity for in-depth learning through the Key note addresses and state-of-the-art lectures.

About MIOT Advanced Center For Gastrointestinal & Liver Diseases

The new team in the Department of Gastroenterology at MIOT Hospitals includes a leading GI interventional endoscopist, a Hepatologist, a Gastroenterologist and a Paediatric Gastroenterologist. The aim is to offer state-of-the-art, evidence based, cost effective, holistic care for patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Prof George M. Chandy, Director, who was formerly the Head of the Department of Gastroenterology and Director, Christian Medical College, Vellore, will head the team. He was awarded the prestigious Dr. B.C. Roy National Award by the President of India on the recommendation of the Medical council of India for his exemplary service to the nation and for his innovative leadership in health and healthcare.