Scarring and liver damage that occur with cirrhosis are permanent. Early, aggressive treatment to control the disease and manage its complications often can prevent cirrhosis from getting worse.
When cirrhosis or other chronic liver disease is not treated early or does not respond to treatment, the liver progressively shuts down, or fails. Although this is a serious condition, several treatment options are available, ranging from conservative treatment with diet and medication to liver transplantation.
Transplantation, once considered experimental, is now an accepted treatment for appropriate patients with advanced liver failure. With modern transplant techniques and anti-rejection medications, people with liver transplants can lead nearly normal lives.
Several treatments are available to control complications in early-stage cirrhosis that often can prevent liver failure. You may wish to contact the Department of Gastroenterology.
