Can the liver regrow after partial removal due to cirrhosis?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 07, 2025
00:00
00:00

First, let us understand the causes of cirrhosis. The most common cause is chronic hepatitis B, which can develop into hepatitis B-related cirrhosis over time. The second is chronic hepatitis C, which can also lead to hepatitis C and cirrhosis in the long term. Another type is alcoholic cirrhosis, which occurs due to long-term excessive alcohol consumption. Cirrhosis involves the hardening of the entire liver, not just parts of it; the whole organ becomes hardened, not just certain sections. Once the entire liver is hardened due to cirrhosis, it is not possible to just remove a part and expect a normal liver to grow back. Thus, unlike what might be suggested in some discussions, it is not feasible to remove a part of a cirrhotic liver with the expectation of regeneration. Liver cirrhosis cannot be partially removed; it is not operable in this way.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
1min 16sec home-news-image

What items are rechecked in the early stages of cirrhosis?

In the early stages of cirrhosis, it is essential to first re-examine liver function, including transaminases, albumin, total protein, and bilirubin. This is very important. Additionally, it is necessary to recheck the complete blood count to monitor the number of white blood cells and platelets. Another important assessment is a liver ultrasound to observe whether the liver surface is smooth, the width of the portal vein, the presence of portal hypertension, and whether the spleen is enlarged. Furthermore, a re-examination of coagulation function to check for any changes is crucial. In the early stages of liver disease, these are the primary examinations that should suffice. Based on the results, the severity of the condition should be determined. When necessary, in cases of viral-induced cirrhosis such as hepatitis B or C, aggressive antiviral symptomatic treatment should be administered.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
42sec home-news-image

Do I need to take liver-protective medicine in the early stages of cirrhosis?

As for whether it is still necessary to take liver-protective medication in the early stages of cirrhosis, it depends on whether there is liver function impairment in patients with early-stage cirrhosis. If there is liver function impairment, such as elevated transaminases and bilirubin, then it is necessary to take some liver-protective medications. If liver function is normal, then it is sufficient to treat only the cause of the disease. For example, if cirrhosis is caused by chronic hepatitis B virus infection, but the patient's liver function is normal, then antiviral treatment alone is sufficient. If the cirrhosis is due to alcohol abuse, then strict abstinence from alcohol is required, and the condition can generally be stabilized.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
40sec home-news-image

Can second stage cirrhosis be cured?

No form of cirrhosis can be cured, but it is possible to alleviate the condition, control it, and slow its progression through medication. Therefore, once diagnosed with cirrhosis, it is essential to understand the type of cirrhosis, which means making an accurate diagnosis. If it is hepatitis B or C related cirrhosis, active antiviral medication should be taken orally to quickly control and slow the progression of the disease; for alcoholic liver, it is advised to abstain from alcohol strictly; if the condition is severe and irreversible, liver transplant surgery could be considered.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
40sec home-news-image

Does fatty liver occur in the early stages of cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis in its early stage does not necessarily involve fatty liver, as there are multiple causes for cirrhosis. Besides fatty liver causing steatohepatitis, which can lead to cirrhosis, other causes include viral hepatitis, drug-induced hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis, which can also lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis resulting from the above conditions will not involve fatty liver. However, if cirrhosis is caused by steatohepatitis, it is possible that fatty liver occurred in its early stage. Once fatty liver develops, proactive interventions are necessary, such as weight loss and medication, which might reverse fatty liver.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
40sec home-news-image

Is early-stage cirrhosis easy to detect?

Early-stage liver cirrhosis can be detected through abdominal ultrasound examinations or blood tests, such as liver function tests, liver fibrosis quartet tests, or transient elastography of the liver. Once early-stage liver cirrhosis is diagnosed, further diagnostic tests are necessary to promptly determine the underlying causes of liver cirrhosis, allowing for causal and symptomatic treatment to begin as soon as possible. After the onset of liver cirrhosis, it is crucial to regularly complete abdominal ultrasound examinations and gastroscopy to check for the presence of complications such as ascites or bleeding from esophagogastric varices, among others.