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Because cirrhosis cannot be cured, treatment focuses on preventing further liver damage, easing symptoms, and reducing the impact of complications. The liver is a large organ and is able to perform many of its vital functions despite some damage. Removing the causes of cirrhosis increases your chances of recovering and carrying on a more normal life.
Treatment involves the following:
Lifestyle changes
Medications
Surgery
Alternative and complementary therapies
References:
Cirrhosis. American Liver Foundation website. Available at: http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/cirrhosis. Updated December 3, 2012. Accessed April 24, 2013.
Cirrhosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated December 27, 2012. Accessed April 24, 2013.
Cirrhosis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/cirrhosis/index.aspx. Updated February 21, 2012. Accessed April 24, 2013.
Heidelbaugh JJ, Sherbondy M. Cirrhosis and Chronic Liver Failure: Part II. Complications and Treatment. Am Fam Phys. 2006;74:767-776.
Lucey MR. Management of alcoholic liver disease. Clinics in Liver Disease. 2009;13:267-275.
Last reviewed April 2013 by Marcin Chwistek, MD; Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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