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1 Best Hepatologist in Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital, Karachi

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Who is a Hepatologist?

A doctor who specializes in Hepatology—the study of diseases that infect the liver, gall bladder, biliary tract, and pancreas, is called a Hepatologist. A hepatologist focuses on diagnosing and treating patients whose liver and other aforementioned organs are affected by hepatic disease.

In the beginning, it was treated as a subspecialty of gastroenterology but advancements, studies and researches in the last few decades have allowed hepatology to emerge as a specialty in its own right. It still remains closely connected with its parent field given the fact that it involves parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that includes the esophagus, intestines, rectum and any other part that has anything to do with the process of digestion.

In simple words, a hepatologist treats and manages the hepatic disease and any organ that it can affect.

When should you see a Hepatologist?

You must consult a doctor if you have any of the symptoms below:

  • Incessant abdominal pain
  • Swelling in the abdominal region
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue or tiredness that doesn’t go even after you have taken ample rest
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Urine that is either has blood or is too dark
  • Stool (poop) is bloody or dark
  • Diarrhea that would persist for more than 2-4 weeks
  • Nausea (feeling of discomfort that makes you want to puke) or vomiting
  • Jaundice (your skin and eyes go yellow from white)
  • Accelerated heart rate
  • Low-grade fever (between 98.7°F and 100.4°F or 37.5°C and 38.3°C)
  • Swelling at the ankles or legs

Closely observing your symptoms and medical history, your general care physician will decide whether to opt for a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist. You’ll seek consultation from a hepatologist for the abnormalities in the liver and related areas.

Note: If you have been referred to get a liver transplant by your GP, you go for a gastroenterologist who is an expert in hepatology. If you’ve already undergone a liver transplant and you are on treatment of immunosuppression (suppression of body’s immune system by intentional induction of drugs in order to prevent organ rejection)

What are the most common hepatic concerns in Pakistan?

On World Hepatitis Day 2019, World Health Organization (WHO) announced that there are 15 million people in Pakistan who have been affected with hepatitis, 90% of them are unaware that they have the infection:

Hepatitis B

5 million

Hepatitis C

10 million

A report published in Express Tribune suggests that the mortality rate stands at around 4% that accounts for 120,000 deaths each year due to the infection. This implies 325 deaths every day as compared to the highest daily death toll due to COVID-19 recorded to be 153.

As per the news “World Hepatitis Day 2021: Hepatitis can’t wait” by the WHO EMRO, Pakistan has the highest prevalence of Hepatitis C (5%) globally, which is only second to China.

According to the “Frequency of Hepatorenal Syndrome among Patients with Cirrhosis and Outcome after Treatment” Hepatorenal syndrome is the third most common cause of admissions among patients with liver cirrhosis.

What are the main areas of concern for a Hepatologist?

Liver specialists more than often deals with viral hepatitis that might, unfortunately, lead to liver cancer and liver transplant. A considerable chunk of their focus is also diverted to fatty liver disease and pancreatitis.

What kinds of Hepatologists are there?

When looking for an apt treatment for your hepatic issue, you tend to choose from the following considering the seriousness of your condition, as recommended by your general care physician:

Gastroenterologist

A doctor who is certified not only in internal medicine but gastroenterology focusing on the disorders pertaining to the digestive tract, from the esophagus to the rectum and pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and the liver.

Hepatologist

A hepatologist is a doctor who is specifically dedicated to dealing with the issues of the liver and the related organs—the pancreas and the gallbladder.

Transplant Hepatologist

Hepatologist who is trained for advanced liver diseases and liver transplants.

How to become a Hepatologist in Pakistan?

You would have to pass through the following stages in order to become a hepatologist:

  • Complete your MBBS from a medical college accredited by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC)
  • One-year house job in an institution recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) with six months dedicated to gastroenterology
  • Fellowship in hepatology or transplant hepatology (FCPS)

Once you have become a certified gastroenterologist, you must thenceforth dedicate the majority of your focus on liver and relevant complications in order to enhance your expertise.

You can also opt to pursue your studies abroad for specialization and certifications like FRCS, MRCGP, etc.

What are Hepatologists called in Pakistan?

  • Liver Specialist
  • Liver Doctor
  • Liver Transplant Surgeon
  • Mahir-e-Amraz-e-Jigar
  • ماهر امراض جگر

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best Hepatologist in Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital Karachi?

1 best Hepatologist in Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital Karachi is:

  • Dr. Muhammad Tanweer Khalid

Who are the most experienced Hepatologist in Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital Karachi?

1 most experienced Hepatologist in Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital Karachi is:

  • Dr. Muhammad Tanweer Khalid

How can I book an appointment with a Hepatologist in Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital Karachi?

Click here to book an appointment with a top Hepatologist in Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital Karachi. Or, you can also call at 02138140600 from 9AM to 11PM to book your appointment.

What is the fee range of the best Hepatologists in Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital Karachi?

The fee for the top Hepatologists in Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital Karachi is 600. You can pay at reception when you visit the doctor.

Are there any additional charges to book an appointment with a Hepatologist in Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital Karachi through oladoc?

There are no additional charges when you book through oladoc.

What does a Hepatologist do?

Hepatologists will treat both adults and pediatric patients for the following:

1. Liver Disease

  • Hepatitis infections (Hepatitis A, B, C D and E)
  • Fatty liver disease (storage of extra fat in the liver that makes it tough for the liver to function optimally).
  • Jaundice
  • Cirrhosis (a disease in which scar tissue replaces your healthy liver tissue that causes permanent liver damage)
  • Metabolic liver diseases which are genetic
    • Hereditary hemochromatosis is an iron overdose, where your body starts storing too much iron causing severe damages to the heart, liver and pancreas
    • Alpha-I Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) can damage the liver and lungs
    • Wilson Disease is a disorder appertaining to excess storage of copper in the body damaging the liver, brain and cornea of the eyes
  • Liver cancer

2. Hepatic System

  • Inflammation of pancreas referred to as Pancreatitis
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Gallstones (stone formation in the gallbladder)
  • Gallbladder cancer
  • Inflammation of the gallbladder
  • Stones in the bile duct
  • Noncancerous tumors in the bile duct
  • Bile duct cancer

Note: A hepatologist can diagnose cancer but may refer the patient to an oncologist for further treatment.

Besides running urine and blood tests for diagnosis, a hepatologist carries out procedures that include endoscopy, colonoscopy and liver biopsy.

How do I choose a Hepatologist?

Finding a good doctor is vital for proper diagnosis & treatment of your underlying concern. Before you make the decision of picking out a Hepatologist, consider the following:

  • Make sure they are experienced
  • Make sure your doctor has good reviews.
  • Make sure they offer the services you are looking for
  • Verify, if they are certified from PMDC or have any other professional memberships
  • Check if they are affiliated with a hospital you trust

Which Hepatologists in Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital Karachi charge the lowest fee?

4 Hepatologists in Naimat Begum Hamdard University Hospital Karachi which charge the lowest fee are:

  • Dr. Muhammad Tanweer Khalid
  • Dr. Muhammad Tanweer Khalid
  • Dr. Muhammad Tanweer Khalid
  • Dr. Muhammad Tanweer Khalid