Cirrhosis of the Liver

Treatment

Treatment for cirrhosis of the liver depends on the extent and cause of your liver damage. Mayo specialists use these therapies for early-stage liver cirrhosis:

• Lifestyle changes. Weight loss and treatment for alcohol dependency can prevent further liver damage.
• Medications. Drugs may be prescribed to slow the progression of certain types of liver cirrhosis. Other medications can relieve symptoms such as itching, fatigue and pain. Vitamins may be prescribed to counter nutritional deficiencies and prevent osteoporosis (weak bones).

Treatment for complications of cirrhosis

• Infections. You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent or treat infections that result from poor liver function.
• Portal hypertension. Cirrhosis can increase blood pressure in the portal vein (main vein that brings blood to your liver), leading to problems with fluid retention and bleeding veins in the stomach and esophagus. Mayo specialists can place stents (small tubes) in your veins to reduce blood pressure in your liver.
• Hepatic encephalopathy. Medications can be prescribed to help reduce the build-up of toxins in your blood due to poor liver function.
• Bile duct blockage. Mayo specialists use an endoscope (a small, flexible tube containing a camera) to stretch scarred bile ducts, remove bile stones and improve bile flow.
• Cancer screening. Cirrhosis can increase your risk of liver cancer. If you have cirrhosis of the liver, you'll be checked regularly for cancer.
• Liver failure. In advanced cases of cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be the only option. Short- and long-term survival rates for people who have a liver transplant at Mayo Clinic exceed the national average.