Jaipur Hosts Prestigious International Liver Surgery Conference
The three-day IHPBA 2026 international conference for liver and hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeons commenced in Jaipur on Thursday, attracting hundreds of medical experts from across India and numerous foreign countries. This significant gathering is being held under the auspices of the Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology, concurrently with the 2nd Liver Summit.
Focus on Surgical and Transplantation Advances
Conference Chairman Dr. Naimish N. Mehta emphasized that the event will concentrate on the latest advancements in liver and HPB surgery, as well as transplantation techniques. The conference serves as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange among leading surgeons and researchers in the field.
Keynote Address Highlights Accessibility and Challenges
In a compelling keynote scientific address, Birmingham-based liver transplant surgeon Dr. Darius Mirza underscored the critical need for making liver transplantation accessible to all patients. He presented a stark comparison between India and England, noting that India's cadaver organ donation rates remain significantly lower. While approximately 90% of liver transplants in England are cadaveric, India faces substantial challenges in this area.
Dr. Mirza identified delayed diagnosis and late referral as major obstacles in India that frequently prevent timely transplantation. These delays not only increase surgical complexity but also reduce overall success rates. He highlighted that earlier detection pathways, similar to those implemented in England, could substantially improve patient outcomes.
Call for Research Support and Systemic Improvements
The renowned surgeon also discussed ongoing research in genomic organ transplantation, pointing to promising future directions for the field. Dr. Mirza issued a strong appeal for enhanced financial support from government bodies, corporate entities, and social organizations to bolster transplantation services and research initiatives in India.
The conference continues to facilitate important dialogues on improving liver healthcare systems, addressing organ donation disparities, and advancing surgical innovations to benefit patients worldwide.
