Dr. Pathik Parikh Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Physician

  Complications of Liver Cirrhosis Liver Cirrhosis means permanent irreversible damage to most of the liver. The complications develop when more than 80% of functioning parenchyma is lost. As liver has more than 500 functions, the complications are not limited to one or two systems but has systemic effects. Complications of Liver Cirrhosis should be managed in a tertiary care setup where multiple specialists are available round the clock. We describe complications of liver cirrhosis for all patients to comprehend in simple language.   best liver cancer doctors in ahmedabad 1. Ascites – Fluid accumulation in the tummy This is a common feature of cirrhosis.It is an accumulation of excessive fluid within the peritoneal cavity due to the increased plasma volume ‘spilling over’ into the abdominal cavity. This isusually accompanied by swelling of the feet (Edema). Whenever you develop fluid in your tummy for the first time, you need a needle aspiration and testing. You also need to get at te

  5 myths about liver disease that needs urgent attention Myth 1 – Liver disease occurs only in those who take alcohol This is a common myth. In fact, Liver diseases can be caused by multiple reasons. Viral Infections, drugs and fatty liver (usually seen with obesity and diabetes) are some of the reasons. Viral hepatitis B and C, fatty liver as well all other etiologies can affect the liver in similar fashion as alcohol. Once cirrhosis occurs, it does not matter what has caused cirrhosis. The complications remain the same. Myth 2 – Fatty liver is common and can be ignored Fat is the new alcohol!! In last 2 decades, a significant increase in knowledge on fatty liver is obtained. Fat destroys the liver in same manner as alcohol does. In fact, liver biopsies appear similar in both cases. If someone has diabetes, blood pressure, obesity, their liver may have fat deposition and gradually it hardens the liver and causes cirrhosis. It may also cause liver cancer and may need liver transplant.