Treatments for Cirrhosis

Because cirrhosis cannot be cured, treatment focuses on preventing further liver damage, easing symptoms, and reducing the impact of complications. The liver is a large organ and is able to perform many of its vital functions despite some damage. Removing the causes of cirrhosis increases your chances of recovering and carrying on a more normal life.

Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changes Medications Surgery Alternative and complementary therapies

References

Cirrhosis. American Liver Foundation website. Available at: http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/cirrhosis. Updated December 3, 2012. Accessed April 24, 2013.

Cirrhosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated December 27, 2012. Accessed April 24, 2013.

Cirrhosis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/cirrhosis/index.aspx. Updated February 21, 2012. Accessed April 24, 2013.

Heidelbaugh JJ, Sherbondy M. Cirrhosis and Chronic Liver Failure: Part II. Complications and Treatment. Am Fam Phys. 2006;74:767-776.

Lucey MR. Management of alcoholic liver disease. Clinics in Liver Disease. 2009;13:267-275.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Marcin Chwistek, MD; Brian Randall, MD
Review Date: 04/2013
Update Date: 04/24/2013

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.