What is the treatment for liver disease?
Each liver disease will have its own specific treatment regimen. For example,
hepatitis A requires supportive care to maintain hydration while the body's
immune system fights and resolves the infection. Patients with gallstones may
require surgery to remove the gallbladder. Other diseases may need long-term
medical care to control and minimize the consequences of their disease
In patients with cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, medications may be
required to control the amount of protein absorbed in the diet. The liver
affected by cirrhosis may not be able to metabolize the waste products,
resulting in elevated blood ammonia levels and
hepatic encephalopathy
(lethargy, confusion, coma). Low
sodium diet and water pills (diuretics) may be required to minimize water
retention.
In those patients with large amounts of ascites fluid (fluid accumulated in
the abdominal cavity), the excess fluid may have to be
occasionally removed with a needle and syringe (paracentesis). Using local
anesthetic, a needle is inserted through the abdominal wall and the fluid is
withdrawn. The ascites fluid can spontaneously become infected and paracentesis
also may be used as a diagnostic test looking for infection.
Operations may be required to treat
portal hypertension and minimize the risk
of bleeding.
Liver transplantation is the final option for patients whose liver has
failed.