Living with 25% Liver Function: Amitabh Bachchan's Case

Amitabh Bachchan, one of Bollywood's most iconic figures, has recently revealed something surprising to his fans: his liver is currently functioning at just 25%. This revelation comes from his experience with hepatitis, which he contracted through a blood transfusion after a serious accident on the set of his film 'Coolie' in 1982. This shocking news has spurred a conversation about the possibility of leading a healthy life with such limited liver function.

To delve deeper into this topic, we consulted Dr. Amit Miglani, the Director and Head of Gastroenterology at Asian Hospital. He explained that having only 25% liver function means that a significant portion of the liver's cells are either damaged or not functioning properly due to various reasons like chronic diseases, toxins, viral infections, or surgical interventions.

Dr. Miglani points out that the actual functionality of the liver is not solely determined by the percentage of liver mass remaining. The condition of the healthy tissue is critical; healthy liver cells can perform better than scarred ones. If liver damage occurs gradually, as seen in long-term hepatitis, the liver has time to adjust and compensate for the loss, enabling it to maintain essential functions like detoxification and metabolism.

Moreover, he emphasizes the crucial role of antiviral treatments, nutritional support, and careful management of complications such as jaundice. Regular monitoring and medical supervision are essential for anyone living with a reduced liver function.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital, which includes a balanced diet, avoidance of alcohol, and management of weight and diabetes. Moderate exercise also contributes positively to liver health. However, even minor health issues can overwhelm the liver when functioning at such a low capacity.

The risks associated with having only 25% liver function include increased chances of bleeding, toxin buildup, and difficulties in processing medications. If the underlying cause of liver damage is not addressed, the remaining liver tissue may deteriorate further.

In some cases, patients may temporarily live with as little as 25-30% liver volume due to transplant surgeries, and over time, the liver can regenerate itself. Individuals with chronic conditions like hepatitis B can live for years despite significant liver damage, provided they adhere to careful medical supervision.

In conclusion, while living with only 25% liver function is indeed possible, it is fraught with challenges. Dr. Miglani emphasizes that survival hinges not just on the percentage of the liver that remains, but also on the health of that liver tissue, the patient's overall health, and the quality of medical care received. Early detection, active treatment, and strict preventive measures are essential for sustaining life in such situations.