Liver Cirrhosis

Liver Cirrhosis: Comprehensive Care at Yatharth Hospital

Overview

Liver cirrhosis is a progressive and serious condition that can lead to liver failure and other complications. At Yatharth Hospital, we provide a comprehensive approach to managing liver cirrhosis, ensuring that each patient receives the most effective treatment. Our care includes personalized lifestyle guidance, medication management, advanced procedures such as variceal bleeding control and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), thorough assessments for liver transplantation when necessary, routine liver function monitoring, and dedicated emotional and psychological support for patients and their families. Our goal is to deliver patient-centric, high-quality care that enhances outcomes for individuals living with liver cirrhosis.

What is Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease where healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, impairing the liver’s function. The formation of scar tissue restricts blood flow through the liver, impacting the processing of nutrients, hormones, medications, and toxins. Additionally, cirrhosis hampers protein production and other liver functions. This condition can lead to severe complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, cognitive impairment, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis

Many individuals with liver cirrhosis do not experience symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, common symptoms may include:

• Mental confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Red, spider-like blood vessels on the skin
• Swelling in the legs and abdomen
• Vomiting blood or blood in stools
• Weakness and weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Causes of Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis can result from various conditions, including:

• Chronic Hepatitis B and C infections
• Long-term alcohol consumption
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Autoimmune liver diseases
• Disorders affecting the liver’s bile drainage system, such as primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Metabolic disorders like hemochromatosis (iron overload) and Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation)
• Cystic fibrosis

Risk Factors for Liver Cirrhosis

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing cirrhosis, including:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Obesity, which raises the risk of NAFLD and NASH
• Chronic viral hepatitis infections

Complications of Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis can lead to serious health complications, such as:

• Portal Hypertension: Increased blood pressure in the veins supplying the liver
• Fluid Retention (Edema and Ascites): Fluid accumulation in the legs and abdomen
• Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly): Leading to decreased blood cell counts
• Bleeding (Varices): Enlarged veins in the stomach or esophagus that can rupture
• Infections: Increased susceptibility to bacterial peritonitis and other infections
• Malnutrition: Reduced nutrient processing leading to weight loss
• Hepatic Encephalopathy: Toxin buildup in the brain causing cognitive difficulties
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bilirubin buildup
• Bone Disease: Increased risk of fractures due to weakened bones
• Liver Cancer: Higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
• Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: Rapid deterioration of liver function

Diagnosis of Liver Cirrhosis

Early diagnosis is essential for effective management. The diagnostic process includes:

• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to assess liver function, clotting ability, and detect hepatitis viruses
• Imaging Tests: Techniques such as transient elastography, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound to evaluate liver stiffness
• Biopsy (if needed): A liver biopsy may be conducted to determine the severity of damage

Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis

Management of cirrhosis focuses on treating the underlying causes, controlling symptoms, and preventing complications.

• Alcohol Cessation Programs: For patients with alcohol-induced cirrhosis, quitting alcohol is crucial
• Weight Management: Reducing weight and controlling blood sugar for NAFLD-related cirrhosis
• Hepatitis Medications: Antiviral drugs to treat hepatitis B or C infections
• Medications for Cirrhosis Management: Specific medications to slow disease progression

Managing Cirrhosis Complications

• Ascites (Fluid Accumulation): Managed with a low-sodium diet, diuretics, or drainage procedures
• Portal Hypertension: Controlled with medication or endoscopic procedures
• Variceal Bleeding: Prevented or treated with medications or banding procedures
• Infection Prevention: Vaccinations and antibiotics to reduce infection risk
• Liver Cancer Surveillance: Regular monitoring through blood tests and imaging

Liver Transplant Surgery

In advanced cases, a liver transplant may be the only curative option. At Yatharth Hospital, we assess patients for transplant eligibility and provide comprehensive pre- and post-transplant care. Candidates for transplant must meet strict selection criteria, including lifelong commitment to alcohol abstinence for those with alcohol-related cirrhosis.

Expert Liver Care at Yatharth Hospital

At Yatharth Hospital, our multidisciplinary team of liver specialists, dietitians, and transplant experts work together to offer world-class treatment for liver cirrhosis. Through early intervention, advanced medical treatments, and compassionate care, we strive to improve the quality of life for our patients.