Published online May 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i18.5442
Revised: January 7, 2014
Accepted: February 17, 2014
Published online: May 14, 2014
Cirrhosis results from progressive fibrosis and is the final outcome of all chronic liver disease. It is among the ten leading causes of death in United States. Cirrhosis can result in portal hypertension and/or hepatic dysfunction. Both of these either alone or in combination can lead to many complications, including ascites, varices, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatopulmonary syndrome, and coagulation disorders. Cirrhosis and its complications not only impair quality of life but also decrease survival. Managing patients with cirrhosis can be a challenge and requires an organized and systematic approach. Increasing physicians’ knowledge about prevention and treatment of these potential complications is important to improve patient outcomes. A literature search of the published data was performed to provide a comprehensive review regarding the management of cirrhosis and its complications.
Core tip: Cirrhosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Recent data suggest treatment of underlying etiology can result in regression of fibrosis and result in improved outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of different clinical manifestations of cirrhosis including compensated cirrhosis, ascites, varices, hepatic encephalopathy, bacterial infections and hepatocellular carcinoma. The review aims to discuss the different modalities used for diagnosis, screening and surveillance, current medical therapies, endoscopic interventions, surgical options and interventional radiology procedures.