If you or someone close to you has cirrhosis, you probably have questions. These videos were created by a team of patients and cirrhosis experts. They’ll help you understand more about cirrhosis, including some of the health problems people with cirrhosis can get and how they’re treated. The videos also include helpful tips on how to live well and care for yourself throughout your health journey.
Part 1: Cirrhosis
What is cirrhosis?
This video will teach you about the symptoms and stages of cirrhosis. You’ll also learn what the liver does and how damage to the liver can lead to cirrhosis.
Living with cirrhosis
This video will teach you about activity, diet, what to watch for, and how to care for yourself when you have cirrhosis.
Part 2: Ascites and pleural effusion
Ascites and pleural effusion
This video will teach you about fluid build-up in the belly (abdomen) and chest caused by cirrhosis. You’ll also learn about the common treatments, what to watch for, and how to care for yourself.
Diuretics
This video will teach you about taking diuretics, which are medicines that help your body get rid of fluid buildup caused by cirrhosis. You’ll learn how they work, what side effects they might have, and how to monitor yourself if you take them.
What is a paracentesis?
This video will teach you about a procedure called paracentesis. It’s used to remove fluid buildup from the belly, which can be caused by cirrhosis. You’ll learn what to expect before, during, and after a paracentesis.
What is a thoracentesis?
This video will teach you about a procedure called thoracentesis. It’s used to remove fluid from the space around the lungs, which can be caused by cirrhosis. You’ll learn what to expect before, during, and after a thoracentesis.
Part 3: Hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy
This video will teach you about confusion and memory problems that are caused by cirrhosis. You’ll also learn about common treatments, what to watch for, and how to care for yourself.
Medicines for hepatic encephalopathy
This video will teach you about 2 common medicines used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, which is a buildup of toxins caused by cirrhosis. You’ll learn how they work, what side effects they might have, and how to monitor yourself if you take them.
Part 4: Varices
Varices
This video will teach you about swollen blood vessels in the food pipe (esophagus) caused by cirrhosis. You’ll also learn about common treatments, what to watch for, and how to care for yourself.
Non-selective beta blockers
This video will teach you about medicines for people with cirrhosis called nonselective beta-blockers. You’ll learn why they’re prescribed, how they work, what side effects they might have, and how to monitor yourself if you take them.
What is an upper endoscopy for varices?
Upper endoscopy is a procedure to look for and treat conditions in the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small bowel. This video will teach you about upper endoscopy for enlarged veins (called varices), caused by cirrhosis. You’ll learn what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Part 5: Cirrhosis and liver cancer
What is liver cancer?
This video will teach you about liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), that’s often caused by cirrhosis. You’ll learn what tests can find liver cancer and some common treatment options.
Ablation for liver cancer
This video will teach you about ablation, a procedure to treat liver cancer. You’ll learn what to expect before, during, and after ablation.
Embolization for liver cancer
This video will teach you about embolization, a procedure to treat liver cancer. You’ll learn what to expect before, during, and after embolization.
Radiation therapy for liver cancer
This video will teach you about a treatment for liver cancer called radiation therapy. You’ll learn what to expect before, during, and after radiation therapy.
Other videos
What is a TIPS procedure?
This video will teach you about a procedure called TIPS, which stands for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. You’ll learn why your healthcare provider may recommend TIPS for you, and what to expect before, during, and after a TIPS procedure.
