Liver Cirrhosis Treatment in Hyderabad
Cirrhosis is a condition where your liver becomes permanently scarred and damaged over time. As cirrhosis progresses, more and more scar tissue builds up, replacing healthy liver tissue. This scarring interferes with the liver’s normal functions like filtering toxins from the blood, producing proteins, and regulating various metabolic processes. As a result, this condition can lead to liver failure and life-threatening complications.
Liver damage caused by cirrhosis is usually irreversible. However, if the condition is detected early and the underlying cause is addressed promptly, further damage can be minimized.
What are the symptoms of liver cirrhosis?
You may not experience any symptoms during the initial stages. Once your liver reaches the point where it can not work normally, you may have:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Decreased appetite
- Rapid weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Easily bleeding or bruising
- Mild pain on the right side of your upper abdomen
- Swelling in the legs, feet or ankles
- Red patches on your palms and small, and spider web-like blood vessels in your skin above the waist level
As the disease progresses, you may experience:
- Jaundice
- Vomiting blood
- Confusion and difficulty thinking
- Dark pee and tarry stools
- Women may experience an absence of or loss of periods, unrelated to menopause
- Men may notice a loss of sex drive, testicular shrinkage, or breast enlargement
What causes liver cirrhosis?
Whenever your liver is injured or damaged, it tries to repair itself, but this healing process leads to the formation of scar tissue. It is usually caused by long-term liver diseases. This may include various factors, such as prolonged alcohol consumption, viral infections like Hepatitis A, B, or C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (‘fatty liver’), blockages in blood vessels supplying the liver, liver cancer, genetic disorders, or other conditions that harm the liver.
To identify and address the underlying cause on time, consult an experienced cirrhosis treatment doctor in Hyderabad
Who is at risk of developing liver cirrhosis?
You might be at a greater risk if you:
- Are over the age of fifty
- Have a history of excessive alcohol consumption
- Have chronic viral hepatitis
- Suffer from metabolic syndrome
How is liver cirrhosis diagnosed?
Diagnosing cirrhosis involves a step-by-step approach. The doctor will first conduct a physical examination, looking for signs and symptoms of cirrhosis and inquiring about the timeline and changes in symptoms.
Your medical history, medication usage, dietary habits, and lifestyle will also be discussed.
Some tests that you will be advised of:
Laboratory Tests: Several blood tests are used to assess liver function and to look for signs of liver damage. Commonly ordered liver function tests include:
- Liver enzyme tests (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT): Elevated levels may indicate liver inflammation or damage.
- Bilirubin: Elevated levels can indicate impaired liver function.
- Albumin and total protein: Low levels may be associated with liver dysfunction.
- INR (International Normalized Ratio): A measure of blood clotting that can be affected by liver function.
Additionally, specific viral hepatitis markers (e.g., HBsAg, anti-HCV antibodies) and tests for other causes of liver disease may be performed.
Imaging tests: Abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can show the size, shape, and texture of your liver. Elastography, a special type of imaging, assesses the stiffness or fibrosis level in your liver using ultrasound or MRI technology.
Liver biopsy: This minor procedure involves taking a small tissue sample from your liver using a hollow needle. While not always necessary, a liver biopsy can confirm cirrhosis and help determine its cause.
Can Cirrhosis be cured completely?
Cirrhosis causes permanent damage in your liver that cannot be reversed. While your liver has good healing abilities in general, cirrhosis is a stage of illness in which it no longer has enough healthy cells to repair itself.
However, the cause of the disease can be treated. Also, there are ways to manage its symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse.
Which treatment is best for cirrhosis?
The main goals of the treatment are to slow down scarring in the liver and manage symptoms and complications. If the liver damage is severe, hospitalization might be necessary.
Treatment for the underlying cause:
- If alcohol is the cause, you will be advised to stop alcohol consumption, as any amount of alcohol can be harmful to your liver.
- If the cause is fatty liver disease, you will be given a diet and advised lifestyle changes which will help in losing excessive weight and controlling blood sugar levels.
- If viral hepatitis (B or C) is the cause, you will be given medicines to control the disease and limit further damage to the liver.
- Other medications to relieve symptoms like itching, fatigue, and pain.
Treatment for complications:
- If you have fluid buildup in your body (ascites), your doctor may recommend a low-sodium diet and medication to manage it. In severe cases, you might need procedures to drain the fluid or surgery.
- Portal hypertension is a condition where the veins supplying the liver become under high pressure. Your doctor may use certain blood pressure medicines to control this and prevent severe bleeding. To monitor for potential bleeding, your doctor will regularly perform an upper endoscopy to check for enlarged veins in the oesophagus or stomach, known as varices. If varices are detected, you may need medication to lower the risk of bleeding. In case the varices start bleeding or are at risk of bleeding, a procedure called band ligation can be done to stop or reduce the chance of further bleeding. In severe cases, a small tube called a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may be placed in your vein to decrease blood pressure in the liver.
- Infections can also be a concern, and you may receive antibiotics or other treatments to address them. Your doctor is likely to recommend vaccinations for influenza, pneumonia, and hepatitis to protect you from these infections.
- Since there's an increased risk of liver cancer, regular blood tests and ultrasound exams will be recommended.
- Hepatic encephalopathy is another condition that can occur due to poor liver function, leading to the buildup of toxins in your blood. To manage this, you will be prescribed medicines.
Liver transplant:
If you develop an advanced stage of cirrhosis, which is also called the third stage or C stage of cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be the only option. This involves replacing the damaged liver with a healthy liver from a donor.
Takeaway
The liver is an important organ, and once the scarring begins, it can’t be reversed but only managed with treatment. Consult surgical gastroenterologist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan and improve the overall prognosis.
Best Doctor for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment in Hyderabad
Dr. K V Dinesh Reddy
MBBS; MS (Gen.Surg); DNB (Surg.Gastro)
It is always advisable to consult with an experienced doctor for personalized advice and an accurate diagnosis. Dr. K V Dinesh Reddy is known for his expertise in Liver Cirrhosis Treatment in Hyderabad With a proven track record of performing multiple liver cancer surgeries, he specializes in liver disease management and gastrointestinal oncological surgeries.
You can trust our expertise and dedication to providing exceptional care for your colorectal cancer treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the questions you might have about Liver Cirrhosis
Reversing liver cirrhosis is a complex challenge. Once scar tissue forms on the liver, it’s generally irreversible. However, early detection and addressing the underlying cause can prevent further damage. Lifestyle changes, like avoiding alcohol and maintaining a healthy diet, play a crucial role. Medications may help manage symptoms and slow down progression. In some cases, liver transplantation is the only viable option for a complete recovery.
No, alcohol is not the sole cause of liver cirrhosis. While excessive alcohol consumption is a significant factor, there are other contributors. Chronic viral infections like hepatitis B and C, fatty liver disease due to obesity, and autoimmune liver diseases can also lead to cirrhosis. It’s crucial to recognize that a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, can play a role.
Firstly, limit alcohol intake; excessive drinking is a major culprit. A balanced diet is crucial—focus on fruits, veggies, and whole grains while avoiding fried and processed foods. Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise, as obesity can contribute to liver issues. Steer clear of risky behaviors like sharing needles, as some infections can lead to cirrhosis. Lastly, stay up-to-date on vaccinations, especially for hepatitis.
These simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing liver cirrhosis, promoting overall liver health.
The severity of liver cirrhosis is determined through a series of tests and evaluations. One key factor is the Child-Pugh score, which considers aspects like the extent of liver damage, blood clotting, and the presence of fluid retention. Additionally, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs help visualize the liver’s condition. Blood tests measure certain substances that indicate liver function. Symptoms and overall health also play a role in assessing severity.
For someone with liver cirrhosis, it’s wise to be mindful of their diet. Avoiding salty foods is crucial because excess salt can lead to fluid retention, putting more strain on the liver. Processed foods, fried snacks, and sugary treats should also be limited, as they can contribute to weight gain and further stress the liver. It’s advisable to opt for lean proteins like chicken or fish, whole grains, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Staying hydrated is essential, but alcohol should be strictly avoided, as it can worsen liver damage.
