“The Fatty Liver That Can Lead to Liver Transplantation Is Not Sufficiently Recognized”

General Surgeon stating that fatty liver does not present early symptoms but early diagnosis can save lives, said, "Today, fatty liver ranks second among the reasons for liver transplants. Within 20-30 years, it is estimated that fatty liver will become the most common cause for liver transplants."  pointed out that this issue, which is highly significant, is not sufficiently recognized.

General Surgeon emphasizing that fatty liver is an extremely important problem that should be taken seriously, stated that it is not sufficiently known. He pointed out that Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, meaning liver disease not caused by alcohol, is currently one of the most common liver diseases. said, "This issue is seen in approximately 30 percent of the entire population, and it is believed that in the upcoming period, it will be the most frequent cause of liver cirrhosis and liver transplantation."

 emphasized that fatty liver is a problem that should be taken seriously. He said, "Since the disease may not show symptoms in the early stage, patients may not seek medical attention and delay seeking help. Patients diagnosed with fatty liver need to be closely monitored, and diet and activity programs should be adjusted early on. Otherwise, the only option left when the condition becomes completely chronic is liver transplantation." He warned patients about the importance of early diagnosis.

Obesity plays an important role

He said provided the following information about the symptoms of liver steatosis: "We refer to liver steatosis when 5 out of 100 liver cells or 5% of the liver's weight is affected by fat accumulation. Liver steatosis is a clinical condition that can occur due to alcohol-related or non-alcoholic reasons. In cases of alcohol-related liver steatosis, daily alcohol consumption should be at least 20 grams for women and 30 grams or more for men."

Emphasized the significant role of obesity in liver steatosis and continued: "In today's world, due to the serious problem of obesity, the rates of liver steatosis have increased. The prevalence of non-alcoholic liver steatosis varies depending on populations but is around an average of 30%. Not all cases of liver steatosis lead to cirrhosis, but early diagnosis and monitoring of patients are of great importance in this regard. As obesity is a chronic condition, as long as it persists, fat accumulation in the liver will continue. Additionally, liver steatosis can occur due to other factors such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, chronic hepatitis carriers, post-obesity surgery, and various other reasons. Therefore, the diagnosis and monitoring of patients are crucial."

There is also a risk for children

Pointed out that liver fat accumulation has become a significant concern for children as well. He stated, "The increasing prevalence of obesity in this age group has also led to an increase in liver fat accumulation. The earlier the body encounters this condition, the earlier damage to liver cells will begin, followed by fibrosis (liver scarring) or cirrhosis."

“When liver fat accumulation progresses to an advanced stage, the symptoms become more pronounced” 
Drawing attention to the fact that liver fat accumulation does not show any symptoms in the early stage, continued: "However, in some rare cases, patients may feel fullness in the upper right quadrant. Sometimes, there may be pain in the upper right quadrant due to the stretching of the liver. As the condition progresses to stages where fibrosis and cirrhosis develop, the symptoms become more pronounced; men may experience hair loss, and there may be some changes in the skin. When the disease reaches an advanced stage, it manifests itself with the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity leading to ascites, along with changes in the skin and venous pattern."

“Most patients are not aware of the fat accumulation in their livers” 

Stating that fat accumulation often progresses without showing symptoms, said, "Therefore, a significant number of patients are unaware of the fat accumulation in their livers. This condition is usually detected while investigating other health issues. The diagnosis of liver fat accumulation can be made through ultrasound or abdominal CT scans. The level of fat accumulation can vary from mild to a point where liver cells, known as hepatocytes, lose their function over time. Subsequently, it can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even cancer."

“Patients diagnosed with liver fat accumulation should be closely monitored”

 Emphasized that liver fat accumulation is not given enough importance in society, and he stated that this perception needs to change. He also outlined the necessary steps for the treatment of liver fat accumulation: 
"The current treatment for liver fat accumulation involves making the diagnosis, adjusting patients' diet, and increasing their daily physical activities. For patients with advanced-stage liver fat accumulation, there are some medical treatment options available. For simple cases of liver fat accumulation, there is no need for any surgical treatment. Medical treatments can be continued in cases where fibrosis and cirrhosis develop. However, when cirrhosis reaches its final stage or when cancer develops on a cirrhotic background, surgical intervention becomes necessary. The treatment required at the end-stage of cirrhosis is liver transplantation. Therefore, patients should not forget that liver fat accumulation is a significant condition. Patients diagnosed with liver fat accumulation need to be closely monitored, and diet and activity programs should be initiated early. Otherwise, when the condition becomes entirely chronic, irreversible stages are reached, and the only option left is liver transplantation."