Liver conditions
Cirrhosis Treatment in Ahmedabad
Cirrhosis is a life-threatening condition in which soft, healthy liver tissue is replaced by hard fibrous tissue. This causes scarring, which typically occurs at the end stage of chronic or long-standing liver disease, especially if it has been left untreated. It can progress to liver failure and to death from various complications. Cirrhosis is assessed and treated at GastroPlus Digestive Disease Centre, a gastroenterology hospital group with four hospitals in Ahmedabad: Vastrapur, Nikol, Bapunagar and Bopal.
Why cirrhosis needs to be taken seriously
As liver function deteriorates, one or more complications may develop. In most cases a complication may be the first sign of the disease, and it may result in hospitalisation. These complications include:
- Jaundice
- Bruising and easy bleeding
- Leg oedema and fluid in the abdomen
- Vomiting of blood (varices — enlarged blood vessels in the food pipe that are prone to bursting)
- Stomach wall congestion (gastropathy)
- Hepatic encephalopathy (confusion or altered brain function caused by liver failure)
- Immune system dysfunction leading to infections
- Kidney and lung failure
- Liver cancer
Important note
This content is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician.
Frequently asked
What causes cirrhosis?
There are multiple causes that damage the liver, usually over a long period running into years, resulting in cirrhosis. The most common causes of chronic liver disease include long-term hepatitis C and B infection and heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diseases that affect the bile ducts, drugs, prolonged exposure to chemicals or toxins, and parasitic infections.
What are the symptoms of cirrhosis?
Many people have no symptoms in the early stages of the disease, and it may be detected incidentally during evaluation for another illness. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight, nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, fullness, bloating, itching, yellowing of the skin, eyes or urine, confusion, impotence, swelling of the feet and vomiting of blood may appear.
How is cirrhosis diagnosed?
Cirrhosis is diagnosed on the basis of a history of alcohol use, chronic hepatitis or obesity, together with the findings of a physical examination of the abdomen. Your physician may order blood tests and an ultrasound to assess your condition. In addition, CT scans, MRI scans or endoscopy may be performed in order to view the liver for signs of enlargement, reduced blood flow or ascites. Finally, a liver biopsy may be needed to assess the extent of liver damage.
What is the treatment for cirrhosis?
The goals of treatment are generally to prevent further liver damage and to reduce or treat complications. Typically this includes lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol and drugs, limiting salt in the diet, and being vaccinated against influenza and hepatitis A and B. If complications of cirrhosis arise, specific treatment for those symptoms may include medication, endoscopy or other therapies. If cirrhosis is diagnosed at an early stage and is due to a treatable cause such as alcohol or hepatitis B and C, it can be treated.
When is a liver transplant considered?
When the progression of cirrhosis and its complications cannot be controlled by treatment, and liver failure is progressive, your physician may determine that a liver transplant is the best option for you.
Where to go next
Need expert digestive or liver care?
Book a consultation with a GastroPlus specialist — same-day appointments available.