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What a hepatologist does

A hepatologist is a doctor who specialises in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas. Most are gastroenterologists with additional training (DM in Gastroenterology or Hepatology), and some are transplant hepatologists. Liver disease is a major health problem in India because of fatty liver, hepatitis B and C and alcohol, and it often causes no symptoms until it is advanced, which is why early testing matters.

When to see a liver specialist

• Raised liver enzymes (SGPT/SGOT) or fatty liver on an ultrasound.
• Yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools or itching.
• A positive hepatitis B or hepatitis C test.
• Abdominal swelling, leg swelling, vomiting blood, black stools or confusion — urgent.
• Heavy alcohol use, or diabetes and obesity with liver concerns.
• Family history of liver disease or liver cancer.

Common liver conditions

Fatty liver (MASLD) is now very common and usually improves with weight loss, exercise and sugar control. Hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated food and water; hepatitis B and C spread through blood and body fluids and can silently damage the liver for years. Alcohol-related liver disease ranges from fatty liver to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis, advanced scarring, can cause fluid in the abdomen, bleeding from veins in the food pipe and confusion, and raises the risk of liver cancer.

Tests and treatment

Evaluation includes liver function tests, hepatitis B and C tests, HBV DNA and HCV RNA, lipid profile and blood sugar, an ultrasound, and a FibroScan to measure liver stiffness (scarring). Hepatitis C is curable with a short course of tablets, hepatitis B can be controlled with antivirals, and hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccination. Advanced disease may need endoscopy, specific medicines, regular cancer surveillance with ultrasound or, in some cases, transplantation.

Fees and choosing

Consultation fees commonly range from about ₹700 to ₹2,000 and may vary. Choose a DM-qualified specialist at a centre with ultrasound, FibroScan and endoscopy, and, for advanced disease, access to ICU and transplant services. Avoid alcohol and unsupervised herbal or painkiller use if your liver is affected. Compare hepatologists and book on Lab Dekho.

Trusted References

This guide is original content informed by recognised medical and public-health sources. For further reading:

• NABH – hospital accreditation standards
• NABL – laboratory accreditation
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Mayo Clinic – Patient care & health information
• Cleveland Clinic – Health Library
• WebMD – Health A–Z

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Costs and fees are approximate and vary by provider. Institution names are given for orientation only; check current services and timings directly. In an emergency, call 108 or 112.