What are treatment options for patients suffering from Cirrhosis?
TREATMENT Major advances in treatment of cirrhosis have been achieved in the past few decades. In particular, the recognition of the complications of cirrhosis has led to specific treatments aimed at preventing them. In addition, better treatments are available for those who have developed complications. One of the biggest advances is liver transplantation, a procedure in which the diseased liver is replaced with a new healthy liver. Some of the other advances include: The widespread use of certain medications (such as beta blockers) that can help reduce the pressure inside of varices and thereby decrease the chance of variceal bleeding Early recognition of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, which has permitted prompt treatment and prevention in some cases The development of a procedure called a “TIPS,” in which the pressure within the varices is decreased by placing a device within the liver that shunts a small amount of blood away from it. TIPS are usually reserved for patients with
