Specialties
Liver Cirrhosis Care at St. Mary’s Center for Digestive & Liver Diseases
Liver cirrhosis is a serious, progressive condition that occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, ultimately impairing the liver’s ability to function. At St. Mary’s Center for Digestive & Liver Diseases, Dr. Antwan Atia, a highly experienced gastroenterologist, offers expert diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of liver cirrhosis. With convenient locations in Toledo, Maumee, and Perrysburg, Ohio, our practice is committed to delivering compassionate, specialized care for patients facing liver disease.
What Is Liver Cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is the final stage of chronic liver disease and can result from a variety of conditions including chronic hepatitis B or C, alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and certain genetic or autoimmune disorders. As scar tissue accumulates, it disrupts normal liver function and can lead to serious complications such as portal hypertension, liver failure, internal bleeding, and liver cancer. Dr. Atia works closely with patients to determine the underlying cause of cirrhosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
In its early stages, cirrhosis may cause no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, patients may experience fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), swelling in the legs or abdomen, easy bruising or bleeding, confusion, and dark urine. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have risk factors for liver disease, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation. Dr. Antwan Atia offers thorough assessments at our Toledo, Maumee, and Perrysburg offices to detect cirrhosis early and prevent further liver damage.
Accurate Diagnosis and Staging
Diagnosing liver cirrhosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes a liver biopsy. At St. Mary’s Center for Digestive & Liver Diseases, Dr. Atia uses advanced diagnostic tools including FibroScan—a noninvasive test that measures liver stiffness—to assess the severity of fibrosis and stage the disease. This comprehensive evaluation helps guide treatment decisions and monitor disease progression over time.
Treatment and Management Options
While liver cirrhosis cannot be reversed, its progression can often be slowed or managed effectively with the right medical care. Treatment focuses on controlling the underlying cause, managing symptoms, and preventing complications. Dr. Atia may prescribe medications to reduce liver inflammation, manage fluid retention, or treat associated conditions such as encephalopathy or varices. Lifestyle modifications, including a low-sodium diet, alcohol cessation, and weight management, also play a crucial role in supporting liver health.
Monitoring for Complications
Patients with liver cirrhosis are at increased risk for serious complications like ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Regular monitoring through blood work, imaging, and endoscopic evaluations allows Dr. Atia to detect these issues early and intervene promptly. Our team provides continuous, personalized care to help patients maintain the best possible quality of life despite their diagnosis.
Liver Transplant Evaluation
In cases of advanced cirrhosis where the liver can no longer function properly, a liver transplant may be the only option. Dr. Atia coordinates referrals to leading transplant centers and supports patients through the evaluation and referral process. Our goal is to provide a seamless continuum of care for patients in need of advanced liver support while offering compassionate guidance every step of the way.
Schedule a Cirrhosis Consultation Today
If you’ve been diagnosed with cirrhosis or are concerned about your liver health, don’t delay seeking expert care. Dr. Antwan Atia and the dedicated team at St. Mary’s Center for Digestive & Liver Diseases are here to help. With offices in Toledo, Maumee, and Perrysburg, Ohio, we offer convenient access to specialized liver care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take control of your liver health with trusted expertise.