Cirrhosis refers to scarring (fibrosis) of the liver. As the result, the liver becomes very hard and liver cells cannot function normally. It is often the result of chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis and alcoholism. Symtoms of cirrhosis include fatigue, bleeding, bruising, skin itching, yellowing of skin and the white part of your eyes (jaundice), abdomen distention (ascites), and edema. Tests include liver function test (bilirubin, enzymes), blood creatinine, hepatitis virus B and C test, and blood clotting ability test. You may also need magnetic resonance elstography or transient elastography, MRI, CT, ultrasound, or biopsy. The goal of the treatment is to slow the liver scarring process and prevent complications. In advanced stage of cirrhosis, liver transplant is the only treatment option.
How is Cirrhosis treated in practice?