Liver Cirrhosis Treatment in India

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What is Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is the term used to describe the scarring of the liver, resulting from various liver conditions and diseases, including chronic alcohol abuse and hepatitis.

What is Liver Cirrhosis?

The liver, the second-largest organ in the body, plays crucial roles such as producing essential nutrients, purifying the blood, and detoxifying harmful substances. The development of scar tissue impedes blood flow within the organ, compromising its structural integrity. Consequently, the liver's ability to process hormones, toxins, nutrients, drugs, proteins, and other substances is hampered. The functions of the liver encompass :

  • It synthesizes cholesterol and metabolizes saturated fat.
  • It aids in the storage of glucose in the form of glycogen.
  • It produces bile, a substance that facilitates the digestion of food.
  • It produces numerous blood proteins that contribute to the functioning of the immune system, blood clotting, and the transport of oxygen.
  • It assists in eliminating various harmful substances from the bloodstream, including alcohol and drugs.
  • It also stores surplus nutrients and releases some of them back into the bloodstream.

Causes of Liver Cirrhosis?

The primary causes of this condition typically involve alcohol abuse, hepatitis, and fatty liver. Nonetheless, any harm inflicted upon the liver can lead to the development of cirrhosis, including :

  • Fatty liver linked with diabetes and obesity.
  • Frequent and repeated attacks of heart failure with fluid backing up into the liver.
  • Blockage of the bile duct.
  • Severe liver viral infections.

It also includes some inherited diseases :

  • Alpha 1 Antitrypsin deficiency (an absence of specific enzyme in the liver).
  • Hemochromatosis is the condition due to abnormal liver function.
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Wilson’s disease (abnormal storage of copper in the liver).
  • Glycogen storage diseases (when the body is unable to produce glycogen).

Symptoms of Cirrhosis

  • Easy bruising when there is a decreased production of blood clotting factors by the diseased liver.
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin) caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Itching

Advanced symptoms include :

  • Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen or in legs.
  • Decreased muscle mass and weakness.
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Impaired sleep
  • Difficulty in concentrating
  • Coma
  • Dark urine
  • Poor memory

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Cirrhosis

The most reliable diagnostic test for cirrhosis is a liver biopsy. This procedure is recommended for patients in whom the presence of cirrhosis is not evident through other means. Additional diagnostic methods involve physical examinations, a review of medical history, and routine tests. In some cases, further tests may be conducted to identify the underlying disease causing cirrhosis.

Stages of Cirrhosis

Stage 1 : In the early stages of cirrhosis, patients may experience symptoms such as dry mouth, swelling of the upper abdominal area, jaundice, fatigue, and occasional itching. Eliminating cirrhosis is more feasible during these initial stages.

Stage 2 : Without proper medical care, there is a progression to stage 2, during which the abnormal tissues formed in stage 1 undergo a transformation into rigid bands of connective tissue. Fibrosis, the process of tissue transformation, results in the spread of both fibrosis and inflammation in the periportal and portal veins of the patient.

Stage 3 : In this stage, the rigid bands of connective tissue merge with each other, causing significant enlargement. This enlargement disrupts the normal functions of the liver, leading to difficulties in digesting fats, storing nutrients, and supporting proper blood circulation. The condition of cirrhosis can contribute to heart and kidney problems.

Stage 4 : This stage is regarded as the most critical phase of cirrhosis. At this advanced stage, liver transplant surgery becomes a viable option. Following a liver transplant, the liver typically resumes normal functioning.

Treatment for Cirrhosis

Following are the treatments for the cirrhosis condition :

  • Liver transplantation
  • Preventing further damage to the liver
  • Detecting liver cancer early or preventing it
  • Treating the complications of cirrhosis

To manage cirrhosis symptoms, specific medications may be prescribed. Reducing dietary salt intake can address ascites and edema. Diuretics, a type of medication, not only prevent the recurrence of edema but also eliminate excess fluid. Altered mental function resulting from cirrhosis can be addressed through a combination of drug and dietary interventions.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Also known as malignant hepatoma, hepatocellular carcinoma is a form of liver cancer. The following are various conditions that can elevate the risk of developing Hepatocellular Carcinoma :

  • Wilson’s disease
  • Hepatitis B
  • Alcoholism
  • Aflatoxin consumption
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Hepatitis C

Secondary Biliary Cirrhosis

Secondary Biliary Cirrhosis occurs when the bile duct is unable to efficiently transport bile due to a secondary cause, resulting in blockage, scarring, or inflammation. This condition can be triggered by various factors such as cystic fibrosis, a congenital defect of the bile ducts, or the presence of gallstones. Other contributing factors include :

  • Idiopathic sclerosing cholangitis
  • Gallstones
  • Pericholangitis
  • Chronic Pancreatitis
  • Bile duct narrowing after gallbladder surgery
  • Congenital biliary atresia
  • Cystic fibrosis

Cost of Cirrhosis Treatment

In contrast to the surgical expenses in Europe and America, the cost of treating cirrhosis is significantly more economical in India, thanks to its outstanding healthcare facilities. This cost-effective treatment option draws patients from various parts of the world.

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