Liver cirrhosis

What is liver cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by long-term, continuous damage to the liver. The scar tissue prevents the liver from working properly. This can lead to a number of serious problems.

There are a range of reasons why cirrhosis may develop. The most common causes are drinking too much alcohol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic viral hepatitis.

You may only start to experience symptoms of liver cirrhosis when your liver stops working properly. This means cirrhosis of the liver is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. 

At the London Liver Group, we have a team of world-class hepatology consultants who are experts at diagnosing, monitoring and treating cirrhosis of the liver.

An expert multidisciplinary team will also support you from your first consultation, during diagnostic tests and throughout your treatment.  

Causes

Any form of liver injury can lead to cirrhosis. But the most common causes of the condition are:

•    Drinking too much alcohol
•    Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
•    Chronic hepatitis C
•    Chronic hepatitis B
•    Autoimmune disease of the liver or bile duct
•    Inherited liver diseases, such as haemochromatosis
•    Long-term use of some medications

Symptoms

Chronic liver disease typically causes few symptoms. This means you may have cirrhosis of the liver and be unaware of it. 

This means cirrhosis is often diagnosed when the liver is already badly damaged.

Early symptoms of cirrhosis may include: 
•    General tiredness or weakness
•    Poor appetite
•    Weight loss
•    Sickness and vomiting
•    Mild pain or discomfort in the upper right side of your belly

As liver function gets worse, you may develop more symptoms. These may include: 

•    Bruising and bleeding easily (nosebleeds and bleeding gums)
•    Not being able to think clearly 
•    Swollen legs, ankles or feet 
•    Build-up of fluid in the belly  
•    Itchy skin
•    Dark urine
•    Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) 
•    Recurrent infections
•    Bleeding in the gut from portal hypertension

Diagnosis

If liver cirrhosis is suspected, your consultant at the London Liver Group will check your medical history and carry out a physical examination to look for signs of long-term liver damage.

They may also perform one or more of the following tests:

•    Blood tests to assess liver function
•    Ultrasound scan 
•    CT scan 
•    MRI scan 
•    FibroScan – uses ultrasound waves to measure scarring and fatty change in your liver
•    Liver biopsy

If cirrhosis of the liver is confirmed, your consultant may advise further investigations to determine the cause of the condition and to assess for complications.

Treatments

Liver cirrhosis cannot usually be cured. Doctors normally treat the causes of cirrhosis to manage symptoms, stop the condition getting worse and help prevent liver failure. 

Although successful treatment may slowly improve some scarring of your liver.

Most causes and complications of cirrhosis are treated with medication and lifestyle changes, such as not drinking alcohol. However, if your liver is severely damaged, or you experience liver failure, the only treatment option is a liver transplant. This is a major operation that involves your diseased liver being replaced by a healthy liver. 

At the London Liver Group, our expert consultants perform liver transplants in The London Clinic’s cutting-edge operating theatres, using the latest equipment and technology.

You will be fully supported by an expert multidisciplinary team from your first consultation, during your procedure and throughout your recovery.