Liver Cirrhosis Treatment
Dr Apurva Pande is a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
providing evaluation and treatment for liver cirrhosis,
chronic liver disease, ascites, jaundice, fatty liver-related liver damage,
hepatitis and abnormal liver function tests.
What is Liver Cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis is an advanced stage of chronic liver disease
in which healthy liver tissue is gradually replaced by scar tissue.
This can affect normal liver function and may lead to complications
such as fluid accumulation, jaundice, bleeding, infection or confusion.
Common Causes of Liver Cirrhosis
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C
- Fatty liver disease
- Metabolic liver disease
- Autoimmune liver disease
- Bile duct disorders
- Long-standing liver inflammation
- Uncontrolled diabetes, obesity and metabolic risk factors
Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis may remain silent in early stages.
Symptoms often appear when liver function becomes affected.
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Yellow eyes or jaundice
- Swelling of abdomen due to fluid
- Swelling of legs
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Itching
- Confusion, drowsiness or altered sleep pattern
When Should You Consult a Hepatologist?
Liver cirrhosis requires regular specialist follow-up.
Early evaluation can help detect complications and guide treatment.
- Known chronic liver disease
- Persistent abnormal liver function tests
- Jaundice or yellow eyes
- Swelling of abdomen or legs
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Confusion or excessive sleepiness
- Low platelet count with suspected liver disease
- History of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcohol use or fatty liver
Evaluation of Liver Cirrhosis
Evaluation helps assess the cause, severity and complications
of liver cirrhosis.
Evaluation may include:
- Liver function tests
- Complete blood count and platelet count
- Blood clotting profile
- Viral hepatitis markers
- Ultrasound abdomen
- Fibrosis assessment when required
- Endoscopy to check for varices when indicated
- Ascitic fluid testing if abdominal fluid is present
- Screening for liver cancer in selected patients
Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis
Treatment depends on the cause of cirrhosis,
liver function and presence of complications.
- Treatment of the underlying cause
- Alcohol avoidance when applicable
- Management of hepatitis B or hepatitis C when present
- Control of diabetes, obesity and metabolic risk factors
- Medicines for fluid accumulation when required
- Endoscopy-based management of varices when needed
- Nutrition and salt restriction advice in selected patients
- Vaccination and infection prevention advice
- Regular monitoring for complications
Frequently Asked Questions
Is liver cirrhosis serious?
Liver cirrhosis is a serious chronic liver condition.
With proper evaluation, treatment and follow-up,
complications can be detected and managed early.
Can liver cirrhosis be reversed?
Advanced cirrhosis may not fully reverse, but treating the cause
and preventing complications can help slow progression
and improve outcomes.
Which doctor should I consult for liver cirrhosis?
A hepatologist or gastroenterologist is the specialist for liver cirrhosis,
chronic liver disease, jaundice, ascites and abnormal liver tests.
Does cirrhosis require endoscopy?
Endoscopy may be advised in cirrhosis to look for enlarged veins
in the food pipe or stomach, known as varices.
Consult Dr Apurva Pande
For liver cirrhosis, chronic liver disease,
ascites, jaundice and abnormal liver function tests.
Book Appointment
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