Cirrhosis is the advanced stage of liver disease (scarring & fibrosis). Cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver where the soft healthy tissues are replaced with hard scar tissue. Cirrhosis may result from longstanding inflammation from infections, heart disease, or continuous injury.

Liver diseases and damage to the liver such as scarring and fibrosis are caused due to hepatitis and chronic alcohol abuse. Cirrhosis affects the normal functioning of the liver. The primary function of the liver is to detoxify harmful substances in the body, clean the blood, and making vital nutrients that are severely affected in a person. Consulting the best doctor to treat liver cirrhosis will slow the progress and minimize any complications.

The underlying causes of cirrhosis are deep and diverse. Cirrhosis may result in response to infection (schistosomiasis, parasital infection) of the other organs such as bile ducts, genetic digestive disorder, and disorders of sugar metabolism (galactosemia).

Cirrhosis exhibits symptoms of fatigue, bleeding, skin itch, jaundice (yellow eyes) loss of appetite, swelling of legs, confusion, and drowsiness, and spider-like blood vessels on the skin. Neglecting cirrhosis avoiding medical care leads to liver failure, which is considered to be life-threatening.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, consult the gastroenterologist (digestive system) or hepatologist (liver). The attending doctor will take information relating to personal history, medical history, exposure to toxic drugs, symptoms, and family history. To diagnose cirrhosis, the doctor may order tests including Liver Function Test (check for excess Bilirubin), Kidney Function Test (Creatinine), Hepatitis B & C, and Clotting Test. The imaging tests such as Magnetic Resonance Elastoplasty (MRE), MRI, CT, and Ultrasound & and other tests such as biopsy may be suggested only in exceptional cases. Upon thorough examination, the hepatologist may suggest the best treatment options which include medications, surgery, and transplants in the most severe cases.

Patients with signs of cirrhosis are kept under continuous observation of the specialist. Regular tests are prescribed to take note of the condition of the liver. Untreated cirrhosis may lead to liver cancer and esophageal varices. The surgical procedure leading to liver transplant is advised for patients with advanced cirrhosis only when the liver almost completely fails to function.

The Institute of Liver Transplant & Hepatobiliary Diseases at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad provides comprehensive and high-quality treatments and procedures for liver diseases and infections. Our doctors provide complete guidance on chronic liver diseases and liver transplants.

Our interdisciplinary healthcare team that includes a hepatologist (liver specialist), liver transplant surgeon, transplant coordinators, counselors, and anesthesiologist, further the liver transplant process.

About the author- Dr. Sarada Pasangulapati, Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad