Liver cirrhosis
Also called Cirrhosis of liver, Chronic liver disease
Cirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver caused by long-term damage from alcohol, fatty liver, hepatitis B or C, or other conditions. Specialist care can slow it down and prevent complications such as bleeding varices, fluid build-up (ascites) and confusion, and includes regular screening for liver cancer.
Symptoms
- Tiredness and weight loss
- Swelling of the abdomen or legs
- Jaundice
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Confusion or drowsiness
How it is diagnosed
- Liver blood tests and ultrasound
- Liver stiffness assessment
- Endoscopy to screen for varices
Treatment
- Treating the cause: stopping alcohol, antivirals, weight management
- Medicines and banding to prevent variceal bleeding
- Diuretics, salt restriction and paracentesis for ascites
- Six-monthly ultrasound screening for liver cancer
- Referral for transplant assessment when needed
Questions patients ask
Can cirrhosis be reversed?
Established cirrhosis usually cannot be fully reversed, but treating the cause can stop it getting worse and sometimes improve liver function.
Related care
- Liver clinicFatty liver, hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis and jaundice.
- Endoscopic variceal bandingSmall elastic bands placed on swollen veins in the food pipe to stop or prevent bleeding in liver disease.
- Ascitic fluid removalUltrasound-guided drainage of fluid from the abdomen to relieve swelling and find its cause.
- Upper GI endoscopyA camera look at the food pipe, stomach and duodenum, with biopsy or treatment in the same sitting.
Get liver cirrhosis checked
Book a consultation with Dr. Anil Kumar Mannava. No referral needed.