Punjab's first liver transplant surgeon pushes for early detection and organ donation

Indian Express

5 hours ago

Dr Gursagar Singh Sahota, Punjab's first liver transplant surgeon, is on a mission to fill a critical gap in India's healthcare system. By combining high-stakes clinical work with a growing public awareness campaign, the surgeon trained at the New Delhi AIIMS is pushing for early detection, specialised care, and a cultural shift around organ donation. His LiverGuru platform and expanding transplant programme aim to bring focus to liver disease—a growing but often ignored public health crisis in India.
Rooted in Anandpur Sahib
Born and raised in the historic town of Anandpur Sahib, Dr Sahota grew up in a family of teachers with no medical background. Yet, his fascination with science and desire to serve began early. 'I always loved studying, and there was never any family pressure,' he recalled. 'My father used to say both teaching and medicine are noble professions. I felt medicine would allow me to reduce suffering.'
After completing his MBBS from Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, he pursued a Master's in Surgery from King George's Medical University, Lucknow. It was there that he developed a deeper interest in gastrointestinal surgery.
Discovering the liver's complexity
His first direct exposure to liver transplant surgery came during his MCh in gastrointestinal surgery and liver transplant at AIIMS, where he witnessed his first liver transplant, an experience that would redefine his career. 'I realised how complex and rare this field is. Some surgeries take 12 to 15 hours. But I wanted to take on that challenge and contribute where the country lacked enough specialists.'
A spiritual process
For Dr Sahota, liver transplantation is not just a surgical procedure, it's deeply human. 'It's a spiritual process in many ways. A person's organ lives on in another body. It gives life, energy, and hope,' he said. 'It's unlike any other surgery. It gives a different kind of peace.'
He pointed to the acute shortage of specialists as a pressing national concern. 'Many Indian states don't have even a single liver transplant surgeon. I wanted to fill that gap,' he said.
LiverGuru: public education meets medical outreach
In 2023, Dr Sahota launched LiverGuru, a digital platform dedicated to liver health. 'I deliberately didn't name it after myself. It had to be neutral,' he said. The goal was to create a reliable, unbiased public resource on preventive, clinical, and surgical aspects of liver care.
From social media campaigns to virtual consultations, LiverGuru aims to reach people before their condition becomes critical. 'Most people show up at hospitals too late,' he said. 'By then, the damage is often irreversible.'
India's changing diets, rising risks
Dr Sahota blames the rising burden of liver disease on changing lifestyles and food habits. 'Our grandparents walked, cooked fresh, and ate vegetables. Today, we're hooked on sugar and processed food,' he said. 'They may please the tongue, but they destroy the liver.'
He said that vague symptoms like fatigue, low appetite, and mild weight loss are often the first signs. 'People brush them off. But when you see jaundice or vomiting blood, the liver is already in deep distress.'
Prevention is cure
He strongly advocates preventive screening. 'After 40, everyone should get annual liver function tests and an abdominal ultrasound,' he said. 'The liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself. But beyond a point, transplant becomes the only option.'
He also warned against self-medication and unverified treatments. 'Herbal supplements and quack remedies delay proper treatment and cost lives.'
A high-stakes surgery
Liver transplant is one of the most technically demanding surgeries, requiring precision, stamina, and coordination. 'Complications are inevitable, but it's the surgeon's response that defines the outcome,' he said. 'At AIIMS, we were trained to stay calm and think clearly.'
He credits his centre's success to rigorous training and seamless teamwork.
A record-making milestone
Among his career highlights is the successful liver transplant of a three-year-old child, with the child's father as the donor. 'It was a rare condition. No child with it had survived globally. He just completed two years post-transplant,' he said.
A surgeon with strings
Despite long surgical hours, Dr Sahota makes time for self-care and creative pursuits. His day begins at 6 am with a cup of coffee, 'which is good for the liver,' he smiles followed by 30–40 minutes of exercise. On lighter days, he focuses on LiverGuru and spends time with his family.
An avid singer and guitarist, he says music is his therapy. 'If I weren't a doctor, I'd probably be in a band,' he joked. 'Exercise removes stress, and music heals the mind.'
Building for the future
Dr Sahota is now working to establish a full-spectrum liver care centre in Punjab, integrating diagnostics, surgery, and post-op care under one roof. 'We don't go to general physicians for brain surgery. Why treat the liver any differently?'
He's also pushing for normalising organ donation. 'India lacks a culture of organ pledging. We need to make that conversation easier.'
Advice to future doctors
To medical students, he offers a message of purpose. 'Choose a field you're truly passionate about. You'll spend your life in it—don't follow peer or parental pressure.'
The authors are interns with The Indian Express.