Home / Diseases & Conditions / Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver condition characterised by severe scarring of the liver tissue. The liver becomes damaged over time due to repeated injury and inflammation. The liver becomes less able to perform essential functions such as detoxifying harmful substances, producing vital proteins, and regulating blood clotting.

Symptoms About Causes Treatment Find A Specialist

Cirrhosis can be caused by various liver diseases and conditions, and it is a significant health concern in New Zealand, often leading to complications such as liver failure and liver cancer. 

Cirrhosis is typically managed by specialist gastroenterologists and hepatologists, and may be monitored with fibroscans. 

Cirrhosis is a serious condition that is associated with an increased risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

Cirrhosis may also lead to liver failure, with some patients going on to need a liver transplant.  

Symptoms of Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis often develops silently, with symptoms appearing only in the advanced stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include: 

  • Fatigue  

  • Easily bleeding or bruising: Due to impaired blood clotting. 

  • Loss of appetite and nausea. 

  • Swelling: in the legs, feet, or ankles (oedema) and in the abdomen (ascites). 

  • Jaundice and itchy skin: Bilirubin, which is usually cleared by the liver, accumulates in the skin. This makes the skin look yellow (jaundice) and feel itchy.  

  • Bleeding from the gut: from to enlarged veins (varices)  in the oesophagus (gullet).  

Common Causes of Cirrhosis

Alcohol
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Hepatitis
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)
Chronic Bile Duct Obstruction

Cirrhosis Treatment

Treatment for cirrhosis focuses on managing symptoms, preventing further liver damage, and addressing underlying causes.

Your specialist gastroenterologist or hepatologist will explain the treatment options that may be right for you and will ensure that you have appropriate treatment, monitoring and surveillance. 

Lifestyle Changes

  • Stop drinking alcohol: Essential for those with alcohol-related cirrhosis. 

  • Weight loss: Losing weight through a balanced diet and exercise can benefit those with NAFLD. 

Medications

  • Hepatitis treatment: Antiviral drugs for chronic hepatitis B or C. 

  • To treat complications such as ascites, varices, or hepatic encephalopathy 

Nutritional Support

Dietary adjustments: To address malnutrition and manage complications like ascites and protein deficiencies. 

Management of Complications

  • Variceal Bleeding: Endoscopic band ligation or beta-blockers to prevent bleeding from enlarged veins in the oesophagus (gullet). 

  • Liver Transplantation: Considered for patients with advanced cirrhosis where liver function is severely compromised. 

Find A Specialist

View All Staff

  • Dr Reina Lim

    Hepatologist

  • Dr Kyle Hendry

    Gastroenterologist

  • Dr Thomas Caspritz

    Gastroenterologist

  • Dr Thomas Herregods

    Gastroenterologist

  • Dr Alison Ross

    Gastroenterologist

  • Dr Kurt Sanford

    Gastroenterologist

  • Dr Richard Perry

    General & Colorectal Surgeon

  • Dr Ian Bradford

    General & Colorectal Surgeon

  • A/Prof Craig Lynch

    General & Colorectal Surgeon

  • Dr Nigel S. Rajaretnam

    Upper GI & Endocrine Surgeons