Cirrhosis is the irreversible scarring (fibrosis) of the liver that leads to the loss of the healthy liver cells. This is caused as a result of excessive consumption of alcohol or liver diseases such as hepatitis. Cirrhosis decreases the function of the liver by shrinking and hardening it and is usually diagnosed at the last stages and is the result of chronic liver disease.
Cirrhosis is an irreversible process. Initially patients are offered supportive measures and the focus is on managing complications like ascites (fluid accumulation inside the abdomen), encephalopathy and bleeding from varices (dilated veins in the food pipe and stomach). Ultimately Cirrhosis patients with decompensated liver function or with early liver cancers will require liver transplantation.
Treatment for alcohol consumption: The intake of alcohol must be stopped. At this stage, no amount of alcohol must be taken, as even small amounts are considered toxic.
Hepatic encephalopathy: Lactulose and Rifaximin (gut antibiotic) can help reduce toxin build up in the body created due to the poor functioning of the liver.
At excess fluid in the body: Medication along with a low-sodium diet can prevent the fluid from building up in the body. If there is an excessive build up of fluid inside the abdomen (Ascites), the gastroenterologist will suggest procedures to drain the fluid and relieve pressure.
Portal hypertension: Portal hypertension helps prevent severe bleeding by controlling the increased blood pressure in the veins that supply blood to the liver.
Treatment of viral hepatitis : If the patient has underlying viral hepatitis (usually hepatitis B or C), It is treated with antiviral medications.
Liver transplantation: The advanced stage of cirrhosis leads to liver failure, a condition in which the liver ceases to function altogether. This condition can only be rectified with the transplant of the diseased liver. In this surgery, a healthy liver from a deceased donor or a part of the liver from a living donor is transplanted to the patient, based on their ability to recuperate and accept the new liver after the surgery.
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