Liver Failure
When you searching for the best liver specialist doctor to address liver failure and related conditions, you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy at GEM Hospital, a distinguished expert in Liver Transplantation, Liver Diseases, Gastroenterology, and Hepatology, offers world-class care to patients in Chennai. To treat liver failure, our top gastroenterologist in Chennai, Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, targets the root cause to slow or prevent the condition. He prescribes medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Dr. Gurumurthy offers Liver disease treatment in Chennai. Discover more about liver failure, including symptoms, causes, and the importance of consulting a liver specialist. If liver failure is impacting your quality of life, schedule an appointment with our expert hepatologist in Chennai today.
What is Liver Failure?
Liver failure ensues when the liver loses its ability to function correctly. The liver is essential for numerous bodily functions, including detoxification of harmful substances, synthesis of proteins, and regulation of metabolism. When it fails, it can lead to severe complications and life-threatening conditions. Liver failure is typically classified into two types:
- Acute Liver Failure: This sudden loss of liver function can occur within days or weeks and is often caused by factors such as viral hepatitis, drug toxicity, or autoimmune diseases.
- Chronic Liver Failure: This gradual loss of liver function develops over months or years, usually due to chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, or alcoholic liver disease.
What are the symptoms of liver failure?
According to Liver Failure Specialist Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, The symptoms of liver failure can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Dark urine and pale stool
- Easy bruising or bleeding
Visit Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy for a diagnosis and treatment If you experience any of these symptoms, Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in managing liver failure effectively.
What are the causes of liver failure?
Many Things can lead to liver failure, including:
- Viral Hepatitis: Hepatitis B and C infections can cause chronic liver inflammation and damage, leading to liver failure.
- Alcoholic Liver Disease: Excessive alcohol consumption can result in liver damage and eventual failure.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition, often associated with obesity and diabetes, can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver failure.
- Autoimmune Liver Diseases: Conditions like autoimmune hepatitis can lead to liver failure if not managed properly.
- Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Certain medications and toxins can cause liver damage and failure.
- Genetic Disorders: Diseases such as Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis can contribute to liver failure.
How is liver failure diagnosed?
To diagnose liver failure, a Liver Specialist will first review your medical history and conduct a physical examination. They may then perform additional tests, such as:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: Detailed history-taking and physical examination to identify symptoms, risk factors, and potential causes.
- Blood Tests: Liver function tests, hepatitis panels, and other relevant blood tests to evaluate liver health and function.
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to assess liver size, structure, and presence of abnormalities.
- Liver Biopsy: In some cases, a liver biopsy may be performed to examine liver tissue and determine the extent of damage.
- Endoscopy: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to check for esophageal varices or other complications.
How Is Liver Failure Treated?
The best Liver Cancer Surgeon in Chennai, Dr. Gurumurthy uses a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of liver failure, focusing on managing the underlying cause, managing symptoms, and enhancing liver function. Treatment options may include:
- Medications: Prescribed to manage symptoms, treat, causes, and prevent complications, such as antiviral drugs for viral hepatitis, immunosuppressants for autoimmune liver disease, and medications for symptoms like jaundice.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Key changes include adopting a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, and managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension to support liver health.
- Nutritional Support: A balanced diet with the right nutrients is essential. Collaboration with dietitians can help create personalized dietary plans.
- Liver Transplantation: For severe liver failure, a transplant may be necessary. Dr. Gurumurthy offers comprehensive care from pre-surgery to post-operative follow-up.
- Management of Complications: Expert care is provided for complications like ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and bleeding disorders to improve outcomes and quality of life.
What are the Complications of Liver Failure?
Liver failure can lead to several serious complications, including:
- Encephalopathy: This condition affects brain function due to the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream. Symptoms can include confusion, disorientation, and, in severe cases, coma.
- Ascites: Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, leading to swelling and discomfort. Ascites can increase the risk of infections and other complications.
- Bleeding and Clotting Issues: The liver produces proteins essential for blood clotting. Liver failure can impair this function, leading to increased bleeding risks and difficulty in clotting.
- Infections: Liver failure can weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. Common infections include spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and pneumonia.
- Jaundice: The liver’s inability to process bilirubin results in jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Kidney Dysfunction: Hepatorenal syndrome is a type of kidney failure associated with liver failure. It needs immediate management to prevent further difficulties.
How to prevent liver failure?
- Keep a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Avoid smoking
- Practice safe sex
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis
- Maintain good hygiene
- Avoid sharing needles
- Be cautious with medications and supplements
- Get regular medical check-ups
Why Choose Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy for Liver Failure Treatment in Chennai?
Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is a renowned specialist in liver disease treatment and liver transplant surgery in Chennai at GEM Hospital. His expertise and dedication to patient care make him a leading choice for individuals facing liver failure. Here are some reasons to choose Dr. Gurumurthy:
- Expertise: Gurumurthy has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating complex liver conditions, including acute and chronic liver failure.
- Comprehensive Care: He offers a holistic approach to treatment, addressing both the underlying cause of liver failure and its associated complications.
- Advanced Techniques: Gurumurthy utilizes the latest medical advancements and technologies in liver transplantation and liver disease management.
- Personalized Approach: Each patient receives individualized care tailored to their specific needs and medical history.
- Multidisciplinary Team: Gurumurthy works with a team of specialists, including hepatologists, surgeons, and nutritionists, to provide comprehensive care.
Book An Appointment:
In Chennai, Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy Provides expert care for patients with liver failure, combining advanced medical methods with compassionate care. If you or a loved one is facing liver failure, Dr. Gurumurthy’s expertise and personalized therapy approach can deliver hope and lead to improved outcomes.
Contact Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy today to Book an online appointment and take the first step toward effective liver disease management and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Liver failure is a condition where the liver loses its ability to function properly, leading to severe health complications
The procedure involves replacing the damaged liver with a healthy donor liver. It is performed under general anesthesia and requires a recovery period.
Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, liver transplantation.
You can schedule a consultation by contacting GEM Hospital directly or visiting their website for more information.