Can ascites due to liver disease be cured?

Sep 20, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, whether hepatic ascites can be cured depends on its underlying cause. Hepatic ascites mainly refers to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity caused by liver diseases, with common causes including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver tumors. Ascites due to hepatitis may be curable; early-stage cirrhosis may also be curable, while advanced-stage cirrhosis is often incurable; ascites caused by liver tumors is usually not curable.

In general, whether hepatic ascites can be cured depends on its underlying cause. Hepatic ascites refers to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity primarily caused by liver diseases. Common causes include hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver tumors. Ascites due to hepatitis may be curable; early-stage cirrhosis may also be reversible, while advanced cases are often incurable; ascites caused by liver tumors is usually not curable. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital and follow medical guidance for treatment. The analysis is as follows:

1. Hepatitis: Hepatitis includes chronic hepatitis and viral hepatitis, among others. Inflammation damages liver function, affecting blood circulation and fluid drainage, thereby leading to hepatic ascites. If hepatitis is promptly and effectively controlled and treated, liver function may recover, and hepatic ascites could potentially be alleviated or even cured.

2. Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a pathological process resulting from long-term liver damage, leading to impaired liver function and obstructed blood flow, making it a common cause of hepatic ascites. Treating ascites due to cirrhosis is challenging. However, if diagnosed at an early stage, active treatment and management—such as taking hepatoprotective medications like Bao Gan Pian (liver-protecting tablets), polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, and entecavir capsules as prescribed—may help control ascites formation and improve liver function. In contrast, patients with advanced cirrhosis often have refractory ascites, making treatment significantly more difficult.

3. Liver Tumors: Fluid accumulation caused by liver tumors typically results from metastatic liver cancer or malignant hepatic tumors. This type of hepatic ascites is difficult to treat. Patients should go to the hospital for surgical interventions such as hepatectomy or liver transplantation. After surgery, doctors may prescribe medications such as sorafenib tosylate tablets, lenvatinib mesylate capsules, or erlotinib hydrochloride tablets. However, the likelihood of a complete cure is generally low.

During treatment for hepatic ascites, patients are advised to avoid excessive fatigue to prevent worsening symptoms and interference with recovery.

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