Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis (or scarring) of the liver can be caused by viruses, alcohol abuse or even eating too much fatty food. Our skilled physicians offer advanced cirrhosis treatments with a goal of slowing the progression of this serious liver condition.

Cirrhosis Care at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital: Why Choose Us

Our experienced gastroenterologists offer personalized care in a convenient location that also includes: 

• World class care: Sometimes cirrhosis progresses into liver cancer. If that happens, the internationally renowned Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, located right on our campus, can treat you. Learn more about treatment at Siteman by exploring their liver cancer toolkit.
• High patient satisfaction ratings: Our hospital ranked No. 1 in Missouri for patient engagement in a report produced by Becker’s Hospital Review. Learn more about us and our achievements.
• Expert physicians: Our physicians have decades of experience in diagnosing and treating cirrhosis using the most advanced techniques available.
• Comprehensive and personalized treatments: Our doctors closely monitor your liver function and adjust treatment plans as your cirrhosis evolves.

What is Cirrhosis?

The word ‘cirrhosis’ refers to scarring of the liver tissue. Cirrhosis can occur if the liver becomes inflamed for any reason and does not receive prompt treatment.

When the liver becomes scarred, it can no longer properly do its job of screening impurities from the blood.

Cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but it can potentially be slowed. Left untreated, cirrhosis can cause liver failure.

Risk Factors for Cirrhosis of the Liver

Cirrhosis usually results from untreated liver inflammation. These factors can put you at risk for liver damage that progresses to cirrhosis:

• Alcohol abuse
• Obesity and a fatty diet
• Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
• Autoimmune system problems
• Genetics
• Right-sided heart failure
• Medications

Cirrhosis Diagnosis and Treatment at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital

Liver scarring cannot be reversed. However, it may be possible to stop further cirrhosis by treating the underlying cause of the scarring.

Our physicians excel at diagnosing the cause of cirrhosis. We offer:

• Advanced diagnostic tools: Our doctors have access to sophisticated tests, including ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), to help accurately pinpoint the cause of your cirrhosis.
• Comprehensive imaging technology: We perform CT and MRI scans to check the size of your liver and aid in diagnosis.

Learn more about imaging and diagnosis at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital.

Once the underlying cause of your cirrhosis has been determined, your doctor will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan of treatment. The goal will be to slow the progression of your cirrhosis and preserve as much liver function as possible.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Innovative medications: Among other therapies, we offer new drugs for hepatitis C, when your cirrhosis is caused by a virus.
• Lifestyle modifications: We can help you make dietary changes or lose weight, if your cirrhosis is caused by fatty liver disease.

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist, call Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital at 314.542.WEST (9378) or toll-free at 844.542.9378.

We are conveniently located just one mile west of I-270 on Olive Blvd., at Olive and Mason in Creve Coeur, Missouri - a west county suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Get directions to our hospital.