Dr. Prasanna Bhat specialises in the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of liver and gastrointestinal diseases, ranging from fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension to acute liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). He also has extensive expertise in transplant hepatology, managing patients before and after both living and deceased donor liver transplantation. Additionally, he performs advanced endoscopic procedures including ERCP, therapeutic endoscopy, and diagnostic evaluations required for complex liver disease. His holistic approach ensures accurate diagnosis, timely intervention, and long-term disease control.

Patients should seek a hepatology consultation when experiencing symptoms such as persistent fatigue, jaundice, abdominal swelling, repeated vomiting, unexplained weight loss, dark urine, or blood in vomit or stool. Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, alcohol use disorder, high cholesterol, or long-term medication use should undergo liver evaluation as they are at higher risk for fatty liver and cirrhosis. Early consultation helps detect liver disease before it becomes advanced, enabling timely treatment, better symptom control, and prevention of long-term complications such as liver failure or cancer.

A liver evaluation includes detailed consultation, clinical examination, laboratory tests, ultrasound imaging, liver stiffness measurement (FibroScan), and assessment of metabolic and lifestyle factors. For complex cases, endoscopy, CT/MRI scans, or immunological tests may be advised. Dr. Bhat emphasises precise staging of liver disease to determine severity, risk of complications, and the need for advanced therapies such as endoscopic treatment, medication optimisation, or transplant assessment. His evaluation approach is comprehensive yet patient-friendly, ensuring patients understand their condition clearly and are involved in every decision throughout the diagnostic process.

Dr. Bhat follows an evidence-based and multidisciplinary approach to managing cirrhosis, focusing on early identification of complications, control of portal hypertension, nutritional optimisation, and prevention of disease progression. He uses advanced diagnostics to monitor liver function and intervene promptly in issues such as variceal bleeding, ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy. For patients with advanced cirrhosis, he guides them through detailed transplant evaluation, donor selection (if applicable), and pre-transplant optimisation. His management strategy aims to maintain stability, reduce hospitalisations, and improve quality of life and long-term prognosis.

Pre-transplant optimisation includes thorough medical evaluation, nutritional improvement, infection screening, cardiovascular assessment, and management of complications related to cirrhosis or acute liver failure. Dr. Bhat ensures patients are stabilised before transplantation through medication adjustments, therapeutic endoscopy, vaccination updates, and close monitoring of kidney function, electrolytes, and coagulation. He also provides counselling on transplant expectations, donor processes, risks, and post-operative recovery. This holistic approach increases transplant success rates, reduces complications, and ensures the patient is physically and mentally prepared for surgery.

Post-transplant follow-up involves monitoring graft function, managing immunosuppressive medications, screening for infections, and assessing long-term metabolic health. Dr. Bhat schedules regular clinic visits, blood tests, imaging, and medication reviews to ensure the transplanted liver continues to function optimally. He also manages long-term issues such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney health, and risk of rejection. His follow-up protocol focuses on preventing complications, improving patient confidence, supporting mental well-being, and ensuring smooth reintegration into daily life. Continuous education helps patients remain adherent to their care plan.

Dr. Bhat follows an evidence-based, stage-specific approach to liver cancer (HCC). This includes early detection through ultrasound and AFP surveillance, followed by advanced imaging for staging. Treatment options include resection, ablation, TACE, systemic immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and transplantation for eligible candidates. Dr. Bhat collaborates with interventional radiologists, oncologists, and transplant surgeons to create personalised treatment pathways. His focus is on timely intervention, improving survival, and preserving liver function. He ensures that each patient receives clear information on benefits, side effects, and long-term follow-up requirements.

Plasma Exchange (PLEX) is an advanced supportive therapy used in conditions like acute liver failure, acute-on-chronic liver failure, autoimmune hepatitis flare-ups, and severe jaundice complications. The procedure removes toxins, inflammatory mediators, and harmful antibodies from the bloodstream, temporarily improving organ function. Dr. Bhat uses PLEX as part of a structured treatment protocol to stabilise critically ill patients, bridge them to transplant when needed, and enhance survival in selected cases. Careful monitoring before, during, and after the procedure ensures safety and maximum therapeutic benefit.

Dr. Bhat offers a structured program combining medical stabilisation, nutritional therapy, psychological support, and ongoing monitoring. Treatment includes managing withdrawal symptoms, preventing infections, controlling complications like ascites or encephalopathy, and assessing the severity of alcohol-induced liver injury. He works closely with counsellors and addiction specialists to address alcohol dependence and reduce relapse risk. For advanced disease, he evaluates eligibility for liver transplantation under stringent criteria. His approach focuses on restoring liver health, improving emotional well-being, and guiding patients toward sustained recovery.

Dr. Bhat performs a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures, including upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, variceal band ligation, sclerotherapy, ERCP, mucosal biopsy, polyp removal, and bleeding control. These procedures are critical for detecting varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, ulcers, strictures, stones, and bile duct blockages. His expertise in advanced ERCP makes him proficient in managing cholangitis, biliary strictures, leaks, and pancreaticobiliary complications. Endoscopy allows early diagnosis, reduces emergency complications, and provides minimally invasive alternatives to surgery.

Fatty liver disease is best managed through structured lifestyle intervention. Dr. Bhat recommends a personalised nutrition plan focusing on whole foods, reduced refined sugar, limited carbohydrates, and improved protein quality. Weight loss of 7–10% significantly improves inflammation and fibrosis. Regular exercise, sleep regulation, and management of diabetes or cholesterol form essential components of treatment. He monitors metabolic markers and liver fat levels periodically to track progress. His approach emphasises sustainability—helping patients adopt healthy habits that protect liver function long-term.

Dr. Bhat’s philosophy centres on ethical, patient-focused and outcome-driven care. He believes in transparent communication, shared decision-making, and empowering patients through clear explanations. His multidisciplinary approach integrates hepatology, gastroenterology, nutrition, endoscopy, and transplant medicine to ensure seamless, comprehensive care. He prioritises early diagnosis, timely intervention, minimally invasive procedures, and long-term monitoring to reduce complications and improve quality of life. His goal is to build a safe, trustworthy, and supportive environment where patients receive world-class care throughout every stage of their liver-health journey.