Liver Cirrhosis Treatment In Singapore

Struggling with Liver Cirrhosis? Speak to us today for an accurate diagnosis and customised treatment plan.

Dr Tan Yu-Meng
Director, Consultant General Surgeon

What Is Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease characterised by scarring of the liver tissue, a process called fibrosis. As the disease progresses, the liver’s ability to function is increasingly compromised, leading to complications and potentially, liver failure.

Symptoms Of Liver Cirrhosis

Below are common symptoms of liver cirrhosis:

Fatigue and Weakness

An ongoing sense of tiredness and lack of energy is often one of the first signs.

Itchy Skin

A common symptom that can range from mild to severe.

Abdominal Fluid Build-Up

This condition, known as ascites, leads to a swollen abdomen and can cause discomfort.

Loss of Appetite

Individuals may experience a lack of interest in food, leading to unintentional weight loss.

Confusion and Memory Loss

Cirrhosis can affect brain function, causing issues like memory loss or mental confusion, a condition known as hepatic encephalopathy.

Yellowing of Skin and Eyes

Also known as jaundice, this is caused by the liver’s inability to properly process bilirubin, a waste product in the blood.

Easy Bruising or Bleeding

The liver plays a key role in blood clotting. When damaged, individuals may bruise or bleed easily.

Swelling in Legs and Ankles

Fluid build-up can also occur in the legs and ankles, a condition known as edema.

Reasons For Liver Cirrhosis Treatment

Some reasons people undergo treatment are:

Treatment is sought to lessen the discomfort from symptoms like fatigue, itchy skin, or fluid build-up in the abdomen.

Cirrhosis can lead to serious complications such as liver cancer, liver failure, or bleeding from enlarged blood vessels in the oesophagus. The goal of treatment is to manage these risks.

Implementing a proper treatment plan, inclusive of lifestyle modifications, can dramatically enhance daily life, making activities more manageable and enjoyable.

Severe cirrhosis can be life-threatening. Appropriate treatment, including a liver transplant in severe cases, can considerably extend life expectancy.

Cirrhosis can sometimes lead to a decline in brain function, causing confusion or memory loss. Certain medications can help manage these symptoms.

Types of Liver Cirrhosis Treatment

Some of the key treatments for cirrhosis include:

Lifestyle Modifications

  • Alcohol Abstinence: Completely stopping the consumption of alcohol to prevent further liver damage.
  • Healthy Diet: Incorporating a balanced diet, low in salt and high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to promote liver health.

Medication Management

  • Managing Symptoms: The use of specific medications to alleviate symptoms associated with cirrhosis like fatigue, itchy skin or fluid build-up.
  • Preventing Complications: This may include drugs to reduce the risk of bleeding, infections or to improve mental function in patients experiencing confusion or memory loss due to cirrhosis.

Liver Transplant

In severe cases of cirrhosis where the liver has significant damage, a liver transplant might be necessary. This involves replacing the damaged liver with a healthy one from a donor.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing liver cirrhosis often involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan, and liver biopsy to assess the extent of liver damage.

Cost Of Liver Cirrhosis Treatment

The cost of cirrhosis treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the treatment approach. This may include costs for medications, regular medical check-ups, hospitalisation for severe complications, and potentially, liver transplantation.

Is Your Liver Cirrhosis Affecting Your Quality Of Life?

Consult us for a comprehensive evaluation & personalised treatment plan.

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Dr Tan Yu-Meng

Director, Consultant General Surgeon

Dr Tan continues to be one of few surgeons in Asia who perform specialized surgery for peritoneal malignancies in Asia.

  • MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery, First Class Honors & Distinction at the University of London) 1994
  • RCSEd (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh) 1999
  • Further training in advanced HPB surgery and liver transplantation at the world renowned Liver Unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
  • Further training in living donor liver transplantation in Japan.

With his interest in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary-pancreatic (GI-HPB) surgery and the treatment of cancer, Dr Tan joined the department of surgical oncology at the National Cancer Centre in 2003 as a consultant.

Dr Tan’s interest in the management of peritoneal surface malignancies was part of his effort in leading a multidisciplinary team from NCC to Washington Cancer Institute to adopt the techniques and protocols of peritonectomy and HIPEC (Sugarbaker procedure) from Dr Paul Sugarbaker in 2009.

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    Liver Cirrhosis Treatment In Singapore

    Frequently Asked
    Questions

    Can cirrhosis be cured?

    There’s no cure for cirrhosis, but treatments can slow the progression of the disease and manage symptoms and complications.

    Can a person with cirrhosis live a normal life?

    With early diagnosis and proper management, people with cirrhosis can live a functional life with lifestyle changes and regular medical follow-ups.

    What is the life expectancy for someone with cirrhosis?

    This depends on the cause, stage of cirrhosis, patient’s overall health, and adherence to treatment. Each case is unique and should be discussed with a specialist.

    Does insurance cover the cost of cirrhosis treatment?

    Coverage varies among insurance providers. Check with our friendly clinic staff to learn more.