Aster Medcity Kochi – India
About Dr. Charles Panackel
Dr. Charles Panackel is a highly acclaimed Senior Consultant in Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, widely regarded as one of the best hepatologists in India. With over 15 years of distinguished experience, he has earned international recognition, including a Fellowship from the National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore, and the prestigious FRCP from Edinburgh. Dr. Panackel possesses vast expertise in the comprehensive management of the entire spectrum of liver diseases, from fatty liver and viral hepatitis to advanced cirrhosis, liver cancer, and complete pre- and post-liver transplant care. He is also proficient in advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures like EUS and ERCP. As a top liver specialist in Kochi, Dr. Panackel combines his profound clinical knowledge with a compassionate, patient-first approach to deliver world-class liver care.
OPD Schedule Of Dr. Charles Panackel
Consultation Fees Rs. 500 /-
Aster Medcity Kochi
MON
11:30 AM - 04:30 PM
TUE
11:30 AM - 04:30 PM
WED
11:30 AM - 04:30 PM
THU
11:30 AM - 04:30 PM
FRI
11:30 AM - 04:30 PM
SAT
11:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Medical Degrees
- DM (Gastroenterology)
- DNB (Internal Medicine)
- MD (Internal Medicine)
- MBBS
Fellowships & Special Training
- Fellowship in Hepatology - National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore (2015)
- Visitor Observer in Liver Transplantation - Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK (2013)
Certifications & Accreditations
- FRCP (Edinburgh) - Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (2019)
- FISG - Fellow of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology (2022)
- MNAMS - Member of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, India (2016)
Major Conditions Treated
- Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma - HCC)
- Cirrhosis of the Liver and its complications (Ascites, Hepatic Encephalopathy)
- Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD/NASH)
- Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis B, C)
- Alcoholic Liver Disease
- Acute Liver Failure
- Autoimmune Liver Diseases
- Pre- and Post-Liver Transplant Care
Sub-specialties
- Transplant Hepatology
- Hepatology (Liver Diseases)
- Therapeutic Endoscopy
Advanced Procedures Performed
- Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Management of critically ill liver patients
Current Affiliations:
- Senior Consultant, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation - Aster Medcity, Kochi
Past Affiliations:
- Clinical Fellow in Hepatology - National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore
- Consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi
- Senior Lecturer in Medicine - Government Medical College, Kottayam
- Senior Resident in Medicine & Gastroenterology - Government Medical College, Trivandrum
Key Achievements & Contributions
- Executive Committee Member - Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI) (2020-22)
- Founder & Convener - Cochin Liver Club (2016 - Present), an academic body for advancing the field of Hepatology.
- Holds memberships in prestigious international societies like the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL).
- An influential academic leader, having organised numerous national and international medical conferences and workshops on liver diseases.
- Member of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, India (MNAMS)
- Dr. Panackel is a prolific researcher and has contributed extensively to medical literature with numerous publications in high-impact journals and chapters in authoritative textbooks.
Books & Chapters Authored
- Hepatitis B and Liver Transplantation (Text book of Liver Transplantation, 2021)
- Acute Liver Failure (Practical Gastroenterology, 2nd Edition, 2016)
- Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed (Principles and Practice of Geriatric Medicine, 2015)
Published Papers in Medical Journals
- Liver Transplant Society of India Guidelines for Liver Transplant during COVID-19 times (J Clin Exp Hepatol, 2021)
- Liver Transplantation Society of India Guidelines for the Management of Acute Liver Injury Secondary to Yellow Phosphorus-Containing Rodenticide Poisoning (J Clin Exp Hepatol, 2021)
- Multi-center prospective survey of inflammatory bowel diseases in Kerala: More than 2000 cases (Indian J Gastroenterol, 2017)
- Recent advances in management of acute liver failure (Indian J Crit Care Med, 2015)
- Gastrointestinal complications in patients with chronic kidney disease--a 5-year retrospective study (Ren Fail, 2013)
- Hepatitis B virus subgenotype A1 predominates in liver disease patients from Kerala, India (World J Gastroenterol, 2013)
- Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia - Surgical precautions for better outcomes (J Pediatr Surg, 2019)
- Diaphragmatic herniation following donor hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation (Ann Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg, 2017)
Patient Testimonials
- “Dr. Charles Panackel managed my father’s advanced liver cirrhosis with exceptional skill and compassion. He guided us through the complex pre-transplant evaluation process, and his care after the transplant has been meticulous. We felt we were in the safest hands in India.” - S. Nair
- “I was diagnosed with severe fatty liver disease that was progressing rapidly. Dr. Panackel’s systematic approach to treatment and his clear advice on lifestyle changes have completely turned my health around. He is not just a great doctor but also a wonderful mentor.” - John P.
- “After being diagnosed with liver cancer, we were devastated. Dr. Panackel presented all the treatment options clearly and coordinated with the surgical team seamlessly. His expertise and reassuring presence gave us the confidence to fight this disease. We are forever grateful.” - Fatima Begum
- Dr. Panackel is committed to a holistic and evidence-based approach to liver care. He believes in treating the patient, not just the disease, and emphasizes patient education and involvement in their own care. He is a strong advocate for a multidisciplinary team approach, especially in complex cases like liver cancer and transplantation, ensuring that every patient benefits from the collective expertise of surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists. His proficiency in advanced endoscopy allows for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention, often avoiding the need for more invasive procedures.
Treatment/Procedure | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Pre-Liver Transplant Evaluation | ₹ 1,50,000 - ₹ 2,50,000 | $ 1,800 - $ 3,000 |
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) | ₹ 25,000 - ₹ 40,000 | $ 300 - $ 480 |
ERCP (Therapeutic) | ₹ 40,000 - ₹ 75,000 | $ 480 - $ 900 |
Management of Acute Liver Failure (per day) | ₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000+ | $ 600 - $ 1,200+ |
Note: The above costs are indicative and may vary. For consultation fees and a precise treatment plan, you can connect with the Cancer Rounds team.
- Language Support: Dr. Panackel is fluent in English and Malayalam. The Cancer Rounds team provides professional interpreters for other languages to ensure clear communication for international patients.
- Visa & Travel Assistance: Our dedicated team assists international patients with visa formalities, travel arrangements, airport transfers, and booking of accommodation.
- Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: Dr. Panackel is available for online video consultations to offer second opinions, review medical records, and prepare a preliminary treatment plan before patients travel to India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Charles Panackel is a leading Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist. His core expertise lies in the medical management of all liver diseases, including liver transplantation, liver cancer, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease.
No, Dr. Panackel is a Hepatologist, a medical specialist who manages liver diseases. He works very closely with liver transplant surgeons and is an expert in managing patients before and after liver transplant surgery to ensure the best outcomes.
With over 15 years of experience, a fellowship from Singapore, the prestigious FRCP (Edinburgh) title, and his leadership role in national societies like LTSI, Dr. Panackel is recognised as one of the top and leading hepatologists in India for his vast clinical knowledge and patient-centric care.
Dr. Panackel is highly skilled in advanced therapeutic endoscopy, including Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which are crucial for diagnosing and treating complex liver, bile duct, and pancreatic conditions.
Yes, managing liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) is one of his primary areas of interest. As a hepatologist, he plays a key role in diagnosing cancer, assessing liver function, and determining the best treatment plan, which may include non-surgical therapies or preparing the patient for surgery or a transplant.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition caused by fat build-up in the liver. Dr. Panackel is an expert in diagnosing and managing NAFLD to prevent its progression to serious conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
You can schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Charles Panackel by contacting the Cancer Rounds team. The team will handle all the arrangements for your appointment.
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