Cirrhosis of Liver

Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition where the liver undergoes permanent damage resulting in scarring and liver failure. Cirrhosis is a chronic process, and liver damage occurs over a period of time.

Causes of Cirrhosis

Conditions that can result in cirrhosis include:

• Chronic alcoholism
• Viral hepatitis – B & C
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) – fatty liver
• Metabolic associated steatohepatitis – combination of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis)
• PBC (Primary Biliary Cholangitis)
• Congenital causes – biliary atresia, enzymatic defects

Progression of Cirrhosis

In a normal person, around 25-30% of the liver is sufficient for maintaining normal body functions. However, as the liver sustains chronic damage due to the above causes, its functional capacity decreases below the minimal required level, leading to symptoms of cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis is a progressive disease that gradually leads to liver failure. Common causes include obesity, diabetes, alcoholism, and viral hepatitis, all of which can be managed to prevent liver damage.

Symptoms of Cirrhosis

Early-stage cirrhosis may be asymptomatic, but in advanced cases, symptoms include:

• Abdominal distension due to fluid accumulation
• Vomiting blood, increased bleeding tendencies, or black-colored stools
• Jaundice
• Easy bruising
• Confusion
• Shortness of breath

Treatment Options for Cirrhosis

Prevention and Medical Treatment

Prevention is the best treatment. Since cirrhosis is a chronically progressive disease, treating its causes early can stop its progression. Effective measures include:

• Avoiding alcohol
• Maintaining good control of diabetes
• Keeping a healthy weight
• Getting immunized against hepatitis B
• Receiving proper treatment for hepatitis C

Medical treatment of cirrhosis is mostly symptomatic and supportive. As cirrhosis progresses, medications may become ineffective.

Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation is the only definitive cure for cirrhosis and significantly extends a patient’s life. It is also considered for liver cancer cases, offering both tumor and cirrhosis treatment.

Types of Liver Transplants

There are two main types of liver transplants:

Living Donor Liver Transplant:

The liver is partially resected from a first-degree relative while ensuring enough liver remains for the donor’s normal body function.

Deceased Donor Liver Transplant:

The whole liver is taken from a brain-dead donor and transplanted into the recipient.

Success Rates of Liver Transplant

The success rate of liver transplantation is around 90-95%.

• 90-95% of patients survive the first year.
• The five-year survival rate is approximately 70-75%.
• For liver tumor cases, the five-year survival rate is also around 70-75%.

Comprehensive Liver Care

We provide advanced liver transplant services with a dedicated team of hepatologists, critical care specialists, radiologists, and blood bank personnel. If you have been diagnosed with cirrhosis or any liver disease, consult us for expert guidance.