Severe damage to hepatic cells in the form of cirrhosis is a progressive chronic disease, which is currently incurable. Even more disappointing sounds this diagnosis in the light of the development of numerous complications of pathology. One of the most common effects is ascites in cirrhosis - how many live with this disease, depends on many factors, but, as a rule, doctors give unfavorable predictions.
What is dangerous for ascites in cirrhosis?
On the background of cirrhosis parenchymal hepatic tissues are gradually replaced by connective fibrotic cells, resulting in the following functional changes:
- excessive lymphatic formation;
- increased blood pressure and stagnation in the portal vein;
- increased permeability of the hepatic vessels;
- failure in the kidneys.
As a result, there arises portal hypertension, which provokes the accumulation of a large amount of fluid in the free space of the abdominal cavity and an increase in the volume of the stomach, its sagging down.
Thus, ascites is a complication in cirrhosis of the liver at the last stage, which can lead to the following consequences:
- the formation of umbilical, inguinal and femoral hernias;
- infection of ascites fluid;
- acute peritonitis ;
- development of malignant tumors in the hepatological system.
How effective is treatment of ascites with cirrhosis of the liver?
Immediately after confirmation of the diagnosis in question, specialists immediately begin hydrotherapy. Treatment necessarily includes medication:
- plant and synthetic hepatoprotectors;
- antiviral drugs;
- essential phospholipids;
- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- hepatoprotective amino acids;
- diuretics;
- albumen.
The listed medicines contribute to:
- strengthening of immunity;
- normalization of metabolic processes;
- lowering cholesterol ;
- elimination of excess fluid;
- protection of the liver from the effects of bile acids;
- improvement of blood circulation;
- restoration of damaged phospholipids;
- removal of symptoms of intoxication;
- relief of pain syndrome;
- stimulation of hepatocyte growth;
- correction of colloid pressure;
- replenishment of protein deficiency in the body;
- prevention of viral and bacterial infections.
At the same time, the patient should adhere to a special diet, a medical table number 5 according to Pevzner is recommended. The diet also implies a decrease in the daily volume of the liquid being drunk, not more than 1.5 liters every 24 hours.
It is advisable to comply with bed rest. With the horizontal position of the body, the work of the kidneys and urinary system is activated, respectively, blood filtration improves, edema decreases, and excess water is eliminated from the body.
Unfortunately, conservative therapy sooner or later ceases to be effective, therefore, the surgical method - laparocentesis - is used to pump out excess fluid. A special needle is used to remove water. In one procedure is displayed
Prognosis for cirrhosis of the liver with ascites
Even with adequate and timely treatment, life expectancy with the diagnosis considered is short. In most cases (about 75%) patients die within 1-2 years after the dropsy.
But there are more favorable predictions if cirrhosis and ascites are detected, and how much they live with depends on the form of liver damage. With a compensated type of disease, life expectancy can even exceed 8-10 years.