Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis (say "suh-ROH-sus") is a very serious condition in which healthy tissue in the liver is replaced with scar tissue. The scarring keeps the liver from working as it should. For example, the liver may stop making clotting factors, which can lead to bleeding problems. Bile and poisons may build up in the blood. The scarring can also cause high blood pressure in the vein that carries blood to the liver.

Last Revised: October 9, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology

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