What is Liver Cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis is a condition in which healthy liver tissue is progressively replaced by scar tissue (fibrosis), eventually impairing the liver's ability to function. It is the final stage of many chronic liver diseases and is irreversible once established, though its progression can be slowed significantly with the right treatment.
Common Causes
The most frequent causes of cirrhosis in India include chronic Hepatitis B and C infections, long-term excessive alcohol consumption, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which is increasingly common due to rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Stages of Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is broadly classified into two stages:
- Compensated cirrhosis: The liver is scarred but still able to perform most of its functions. Patients may have no symptoms for years.
- Decompensated cirrhosis: The liver can no longer compensate. Complications such as ascites (fluid accumulation), variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and jaundice appear.
When is a Liver Transplant Considered?
A liver transplant is typically considered when the MELD score (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) exceeds 15, or when a patient develops complications that significantly reduce quality of life and survival. Dr. Gursagar Singh Sahota and the LiverGuru team assess each patient individually to determine the optimal timing.
Living with Cirrhosis
With appropriate medical management, many patients with compensated cirrhosis live full and productive lives. The key interventions include treating the underlying cause, strict abstinence from alcohol, dietary modifications, and regular monitoring for hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).