India Leads in Liver Disease — ‘Food is Medicine’ Marks World Liver Day 2025

Mumbai, April 19, 2025 – On World Liver Day 2025, the global health community is turning its focus to a critical yet often overlooked issue: liver health. This year’s theme, “Food is Medicine,” highlights the powerful link between nutrition and liver function. In India—where liver disease has reached alarming levels—the message carries even greater urgency.

World Liver Day is observed every year on April 19 to raise awareness about liver health and promote prevention strategies. With liver-related deaths rising worldwide, the emphasis on food as a tool for prevention and healing is both a wake-up call and a practical solution. According to current estimates, India records approximately 268,580 liver disease deaths each year, accounting for 3.17% of all deaths in the country. More strikingly, this represents 18.3% of global liver-related deaths, making India the highest contributor to liver disease fatalities worldwide.

Commenting on the situation, Dr. Aditya Verma, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, said: “India is facing a silent epidemic of liver disease, and much of it is driven by what we eat. Everyday food choices can either fuel liver damage or support healing.” The leading causes of liver disease in India include fatty liver disease , hepatitis infections, alcohol-related liver damage, and lifestyle-related metabolic conditions. A major contributing factor is a poor diet—often high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

This year’s World Liver Day theme promotes simple, sustainable dietary changes, such as:

  • Reducing intake of refined sugars, white flour, and fried foods
  • Eating more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes
  • Choosing healthy fats like those in nuts, seeds, and olive oil
  • Staying well-hydrated and limiting alcohol consumption

Dr. Aditya Verma, Consultant Gastroenterologist added, “Food is our first and most effective medicine. By shifting to a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, people can reduce their risk of liver disease—and in many cases, even reverse early-stage damage.” As liver diseases continue to rise across the country, medical experts are urging individuals to take control of their health through mindful eating. World Liver Day 2025 serves as a reminder that prevention often begins on our plates.

Successful Surgical Removal of Lodged Denture at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road

Mumbai: – In a remarkable surgical procedure, Dr. Chandra Veer Singh and his skilled medical team at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, successfully removed a lodged denture from the esophagus of a 74-year-old patient, Mrs. Sandhya Thakur (name changed). The complex surgery became necessary after an initial endoscopic removal attempt was unsuccessful due to deep embedding in the esophageal mucosa. Mrs. Sandhya Thakur arrived at the hospital experiencing severe difficulty in swallowing and discomfort for six days. A Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy confirmed that a denture was lodged just below the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Attempts to extract it using endoscopic instruments such as rat-tooth forceps failed due to deep embedding, making surgical intervention essential.

A multidisciplinary surgical team from Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, led by Dr. Chandraveer Singh Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist, Head & Neck Oncosurgeon, Dr. Tirathram Kaushik Consultant Oncosurgeon & Minimal Access Surgeon and Dr. Sheetal Radia Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist, Head & Neck Oncosurgeon performed an esophagostomy through a neck incision under general anesthesia. The foreign body was carefully removed en bloc, and the esophagus was repaired using 3-0 PDS sutures to ensure proper healing. Hemostasis was confirmed, and a surgical drain was placed before closing the incision in layers. Following the procedure, Mrs. Sandhya Thakur is in stable condition and under close monitoring for any post-operative complications, such as infection or swallowing difficulties.

Foreign body ingestion, particularly lodged dentures, is a significant medical concern among the elderly. If left untreated, it can result in perforation, infection, and life-threatening complications. This case underscores the expertise and precision of the surgical team at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road who successfully managed this high-risk case with advanced surgical techniques. Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, continues to uphold its commitment to advanced medical interventions and patient-centered care. The successful removal of the lodged denture reinforces the hospital’s reputation for handling complex cases with cutting-edge expertise and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Mrs Sandhya Thakur is expected to make a full recovery under the continued supervision of the medical team. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, timely intervention, and advanced medical facilities in ensuring successful patient outcomes.