In a groundbreaking move, Gleneagles Hospitals has launched India’s first dedicated Liver Frailty Clinic to address the unique challenges faced by patients with liver disease. This clinic sets a new benchmark in liver care by combining dietary guidance, physiotherapy, and emotional support to improve patients’ physical strength and overall well-being.
Frailty and Liver Disease: A Compounding Challenge
As people age, they naturally experience a decline in muscle mass and bone density, which increases their risk of infections, falls, and complications during treatments like surgery or transplantation. Liver disease accelerates this process, often causing significant physical weakness in patients as young as 40 or 50, making them appear decades older.
“The liver is crucial for energy metabolism. When it begins to fail, the body diverts energy from fat and muscle, leading to further weakness and frailty,” explained Dr. Ameet Mandot, Director of Hepatology and Liver Transplant Medicine at Gleneagles Hospitals, Mumbai. He emphasized that this weakness often emerges in the early stages of liver disease and severely impacts daily functioning.
Breaking Stigmas, Building Strength
Frailty due to liver disease is not just a physical challenge. Many patients face dietary restrictions due to cultural stigmas, worsening their condition. Recognizing these issues, Dr. Mandot said, “We launched this wellness clinic to support patients with liver ailments—not just with medicines but also with personalized interventions that prepare them for future treatments like liver transplants.”
Addressing Frailty to Improve Transplant Outcomes
As per the press release, Dr. Anurag Shrimal, Director of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplant, added that 40-80% of patients with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis, experience some level of frailty. He highlighted findings from international research showing that frail and sarcopenic patients have worse outcomes post-transplant, including a higher risk of mortality.
“Recovering from a transplant can take up to two years,” he said. “Our clinic aims to help patients preserve muscle mass and build resilience—before surgery even begins.”
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Liver Wellness
At the core of this innovative clinic is a multidisciplinary team including hepatologists, transplant surgeons, nutritionists, and physiotherapists. Together, they offer customized plans for each patient, focusing on strength-building, nutrition, and mental health.
Ms. Zamrud Patel, Chief Liver Nutritionist at Gleneagles Hospitals, underscored the importance of tailored nutrition in liver care. “Liver nutrition is a highly specialized field. My goal is to provide individualized dietary care to meet each patient’s unique needs,” she said.
Redefining Healthcare Through Holistic Care
This pioneering clinic reflects Gleneagles Hospitals’ commitment to holistic and patient-centric care. As Dr. Mandot concluded, “The Liver Frailty Clinic represents a shift in healthcare—from treating diseases to nurturing overall well-being. By bridging disciplines and focusing on comprehensive care, we are shaping a future where wellness takes center stage.”