Treatment for Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Your care may include:

• Innovative treatments: Our research is testing the next generation of alcoholic liver cirrhosis treatments, including the ELAD® Extracorporeal Liver Assist System. ELAD® provides temporary dialysis in an effort to restore liver functioning. Stanford is the only location offering ELAD® in the Bay Area.
  
• Alcohol cessation: When you stop using alcohol (alcohol cessation), your liver does not need to work as hard to do its job. We recognize that each person’s path to recovery is different and we are here to help. Our dedicated addiction specialists use a compassionate approach to help you give up alcohol for good.
  
• Lifestyle changes: Living a healthy lifestyle can help your liver heal and increase your chances for a successful treatment. You may need to change old habits, which may include learning how to eat a balanced diet. Our team includes a dietician who specializes in working with liver disease patients. Learn more about medical nutrition therapy.
  
• Regular testing: We use blood tests and non-invasive imaging tests to see how your liver is responding to treatment. Testing also helps us catch the early signs of complications, such as liver cancer. Learn more about liver disease testing.
  
• Liver transplant: If your condition does not improve with treatment, you may reach a point where your liver is no longer able to do its job (liver failure). When this happens, you need a liver transplant. Learn more about our Liver Transplant Program.

Your condition may leave you feeling too sick to travel. Our network of outreach clinics gives you access to nationally renowned liver disease specialists right in your local community.