Skip to Main Content
Treatment Gastroenterology

Cirrhosis
Treatments

Treatment of cirrhosis focuses on stopping or delaying the damage to your liver and preventing complications, such as liver failure. When the cause of the condition is known, therapy will aim to specifically manage that illness. For instance, if a patient has hepatitis, the doctor may administer steroids or antiviral drugs for treatment.

Regardless of the cause of cirrhosis, it is essential that every patient avoid all substances, habits and drugs that may further damage the liver or cause complications or liver failure. Alcohol, in addition to causing cirrhosis, may accelerate the progression of liver scarring. All patients with liver disease should not drink any alcohol. Medications also may be given to control the symptoms of cirrhosis.

If complications progress to the point of possible liver failure, a liver transplant may be recommended. Our team of digestive disorder experts work closely with liver transplant specialists at UCSF Medical Center, who can provide excellent care. Liver failure may occur at the end stage of liver disease when the liver stops working and cannot support life. Liver failure is difficult to treat and survival is limited. However, the good news is that many people with cirrhosis have undergone successful liver transplants. Also, many patients live long and healthy lives with other means of therapy.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

Recommended reading

After Living Liver Donor Surgery

See what to expect following the surgery, from how long you'll be in the hospital to pain management, when you can eat and drink again, and whether you'll have a scar.

FAQ: Living Liver Donor

Get answers to important questions such as how you qualify to be a donor, what the first and next steps are in the process, why your blood type is important, and confidentiality.

Evaluation to be a Living Liver Donor

Find out what the evaluation process is like, whether it's covered by insurance, when you'll know if you're eligible to be a liver donor, and more.

FAQ: Getting a Liver Transplant

Find commonly asked questions regarding getting a liver transplant including, who gets priority, whether there's a way to expedite the process, and more.

Liver Transplant Glossary

Use this Liver Transplant Glossary to help you understand some of the esoteric language and terms including, Angiogram, Echocardiogram, Sclerotherapy, and more.

Living Donor Liver Transplant: The Facts

In the U.S., there are over 17,000 patients on the liver waiting list, but only enough donated livers to perform about 5,000 transplants per year. Learn more.

Seeking care at UCSF Health

Expand Map

    Share