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Sri Venus Gastro & Liver HospitalSri VenusGastro & Liver
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Condition

Liver Cirrhosis

Long-term care of cirrhosis — slowing progression, managing complications.

Overview

Cirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver, usually from long-term hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease, or alcohol use. The scarring itself can't be reversed, but modern care can slow progression, manage complications, and significantly improve quality of life. Liver cancer screening is essential for everyone with cirrhosis — early detection makes treatment possible.

Common symptoms

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Swelling in the legs (oedema) or abdomen (ascites)
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
  • Confusion, disturbed sleep, or hand tremor (hepatic encephalopathy)
  • Vomiting blood or black tar-like stools (emergency — variceal bleed)

When to see a doctor

If you have known liver disease, regular follow-up is essential — even when you feel well. New swelling, confusion, vomiting blood, or worsening jaundice need urgent attention. Anyone diagnosed with cirrhosis should have a clear surveillance plan and a known emergency contact.

How we help

We provide complete cirrhosis care — staging severity with Child-Pugh and MELD scores, screening for varices with endoscopy, managing ascites and encephalopathy, and 6-monthly ultrasound surveillance for liver cancer. We address the underlying cause (antivirals for hepatitis, abstinence support for ALD, metabolic management for fatty liver) and coordinate transplant referrals when needed.

This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your case, please consult Dr. Ch. Saikumar or another qualified specialist.

Patient questions

Liver Cirrhosis — common questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about liver cirrhosis.

Is cirrhosis reversible?
The scarring itself isn't truly reversible, but progression can be slowed dramatically. With cause-specific treatment — antivirals, abstinence, weight loss, metabolic control — liver function often stabilises and complications become manageable.
How long does someone with cirrhosis live?
Hugely variable — depends on the cause, the stage (compensated vs decompensated), and treatment. Many compensated cirrhosis patients live decades. Decompensated cirrhosis has a more guarded prognosis, but liver transplant is curative in selected patients.
What causes cirrhosis?
In India, the leading causes are alcohol, chronic hepatitis B and C, and increasingly fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD). Less common causes include autoimmune liver disease and rare genetic conditions.
Can I drink alcohol with cirrhosis?
No — at any stage. Alcohol accelerates liver damage regardless of the original cause, increases bleeding risk, and worsens complications. Even small amounts are harmful in cirrhosis.
When is liver transplant considered?
Decompensated cirrhosis (refractory ascites, recurrent encephalopathy, MELD score above 15) and selected cases of early liver cancer. We coordinate referrals to transplant centres in Hyderabad when appropriate.
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