In recent years, the field of hepatology has undergone significant changes in both disease patterns and treatment strategies. While clinical practice previously focused primarily on managing advanced diseases, the current trend is towards early risk assessment, accurate damage evaluation, and individualized treatment from the outset. In this context, the Liver Summit 2026, organized by the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City (UMC) in collaboration with the Vietnam Association for the Study of the Liver (VASLD), is expected to be a valuable academic forum, contributing to updating new advancements and strengthening professional connections between centers.
Overview of the Conference
In his opening speech, Le Trung Hai, MD. PhD. Professor – President of the VASLD and Founding President of the Vietnamese Association of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgeons – stated that the conference is taking place amidst significant changes in the field of hepatology. 2026 also marks the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Hepatology Association, a journey marked by numerous efforts in connecting experts, promoting research, and fostering international cooperation.
Le Trung Hai, MD. PhD. Professor – President of the VASLD – opening speech at the conference
Within the framework of the program, the launching ceremony of the Vietnam Liver Association before the entire Conference marked a new development in the professional organization, aiming to strengthen connections and standardize activities in the field of hepatology.
The Executive Committee of the Vietnam Liver Association was introduced at the conference
In his welcoming speech, Nguyen Hoang Bac, MD. PhD. Assoc. Prof. – Director of the UMC, Vice President of the VASLD – emphasized the outstanding advances in the specialty, from non-invasive assessment methods and individualized treatment to the management of metabolic liver disease, viral hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications. He stated that organizing high-quality academic forums is essential for sharing experiences and updating scientific progress.
Nguyen Hoang Bac, MD. PhD. Assoc. Prof. – Director of the UMC giving welcoming speech
The conference program focused on several important topics such as chronic liver disease management, hepatitis B virus infection in special populations, portal hypertension, treatment of cirrhosis and its complications, metabolic liver disease, nutrition, acute liver failure superimposed on chronic liver disease, and indications for liver transplantation.
According to Vo Duy Thong, MD. PhD. Assoc. Prof., Head of the Gastroenterology Department at the UMC, the current trend is shifting from late treatment to disease management based on mechanisms and risks, aiming for earlier intervention. Updates such as MASLD, non-invasive methods, and the Baveno VIII consensus indicate that hepatology practice is entering a new phase, in which clinical decisions rely more heavily on risk stratification and understanding of pathogenesis.
Metabolic liver disease (MASLD) is a prominent topic. It is currently the most common liver disease globally and is no longer considered a simple liver disease, but rather a manifestation of systemic metabolic disorders. Along with this, non-invasive assessment methods are playing an increasingly important role in the management of chronic liver disease, helping to reduce invasive interventions and monitor disease progression more effectively. In the group of cirrhosis patients, updates from the Baveno VIII consensus emphasize strategies for early complication prevention, along with a trend towards proactive treatment and multidisciplinary collaboration.
The conference also mentioned new approaches such as Dysbiosis, MetaLD, Nutrition, and Sarcopenia, indicating that liver disease is being viewed more comprehensively as a systemic disease
With its updated and practical content, the conference is expected to contribute to improving treatment effectiveness and patient care quality.
Otsuka Vietnam is honored to be a Silver Partner for the Conference, aiming to be the best partner in clinical nutrition.
The organizing committee was expressing their gratitude to the sponsors
OTSUKA VIỆT NAM TẠI HỘI NGHỊ
