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Liver Cirrhosis Treatment

Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver becomes scarred and damaged. The scarring is irreversible and can eventually cause the liver to fail. The liver has many functions, including purifying blood, detoxifying the body and manufacturing nutrients. The two most common causes of cirrhosis in the United States are alcohol abuse and hepatitis C infections, according to the National Institutes of Health. Several other medical conditions can cause the condition, but it is not caused by an injury to the liver. Treatment varies based on the cause, but controlling any underlying conditions is key.

  1. Stop Drinking

    • When cirrhosis is caused by alcohol abuse, patients must stop drinking to stop damage to the liver from progressing. If patients continue to drink, the liver will continue to be scarred and damaged and will eventually fail. People who are addicted to alcohol will often have a hard time stopping drinking. Doctors can help recommend a treatment program or facility to patients who are having trouble stopping on their own.

    Managing Complications

    • Because cirrhosis is irreversible, treating patients often centers on managing complications caused by the condition. For example, cirrhosis causes excess fluid to build up in the body, a condition called edema. Patients with edema can follow a low-sodium diet or take water pills to help control edema. Other complications that can result from cirrhosis include increased blood pressure in certain veins and more frequent infections, both of which can be controlled with prescription medications. Cirrhosis patients will also be advised to regularly undergo screenings for liver cancer because the condition increases the risk for it.

    Liver Transplant

    • When cirrhosis progresses to the point that the liver is failing, the only treatment option is a liver transplant. Patients who meet certain criteria will be placed on an organ transplant waiting list. A liver transplant involves removing the diseased liver and replacing it either with a whole liver from a deceased donor or part of a liver from a living donor. Not all cirrhosis patients will be eligible for a transplant. For example, those who continue to abuse alcohol will not receive a transplant.

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