Focus on bridging research and real-world challenges in hepatology

Hyderabad: The AIG Liver Conclave 2025, hosted by the Institute of Liver Sciences and Transplant Hepatology at AIG Hospitals, concluded this weekend with over 3,000 participants, marking the highest-ever turnout for a hepatology conference in India.

The two-day event at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) brought together specialists in hepatology, gastroenterology, hepatobiliary surgery and transplant medicine, alongside trainees and students.

The scientific program included didactic lectures, case-based discussions and live transmissions of endohepatology and interventional radiology procedures.

Focus on translating science into practice

Speaking on the record attendance, Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals, said, “The overwhelming response to this conclave is a testament to the growing recognition of hepatology as a critical discipline in India. This is not just an academic event, it is a platform to translate science into practice and ensure that the innovations we discuss here reach our patients quickly and effectively. Our vision is to elevate the standard of liver care across the country, and this gathering of over 3,000 delegates shows we are moving in the right direction.”

Scientific program

The agenda was designed under the leadership of Dr Mithun Sharma, Director & HOD, Institute of Liver Sciences and Transplant Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, who served as Organising Secretary.

“Our goal was to design a program that bridged cutting-edge science with everyday clinical challenges in a case-based format. From managing metabolic liver diseases and autoimmune conditions to advanced therapeutic interventions, the sessions were created to provide practical takeaways. The sheer scale of participation reflects the relevance and need for such focused dialogues in hepatology,” Dr Sharma said.

Dr Anand Kulkarni, Senior Consultant Hepatologist at AIG Hospitals and Joint Organising Secretary, added, “This conclave was not just about sharing new data, but also about demonstrating how these advances can be applied in real-world practice. We had special sessions for PG students and a hands-on ultrasound workshop as well. The live EndoHepatology session allowed delegates to see complex procedures performed step-by-step, something that enriches learning in a way no textbook can.”

Launch of HCC Centre for Excellence

A key announcement at the conclave was the launch of the AIG HCC Centre for Excellence, a dedicated unit for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common and fatal forms of liver cancer. The Centre will integrate diagnostics, interventional therapies, surgery, systemic therapy, and translational research.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr Reddy said, “HCC is one of the fastest growing cancers in India and a major cause of mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. With the launch of this Centre, we aim to not only deliver the most advanced treatment modalities but also to drive research and innovation that will benefit patients nationally and globally.”

The record turnout and the launch of the HCC Centre underscore the growing focus on liver disease management in India, where conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer remain major public health concerns.