This occurs when the cells of the liver are damaged by toxins, inflammation and disorders of the body’s normal metabolic processes. Blood flow to the liver is affected and over time, liver becomes distorted, hardened and lumpy. Its normal functions also become impaired. Although commonly associated with alcoholism, cirrhosis can also be caused by other conditions. In Mr Azwir’s case, chronic viral Hepatitis B was the culprit. Over time, a cirrhotic liver can also develop into liver cancer. Some of the common symptoms of liver cirrhosis include loss of appetite, weight loss, tiredness and weakness, and nausea. With advanced cirrhosis, ascites jaundice, mental impairment, vomiting of blood and infections may manifest.

Liver Transplant For patients with advance liver cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be the only option to save them. During this major procedure (about eight hours), the surgical team removes the cirrhotic liver, leaving portions of major blood vessels in place. The new liver is then inserted and attached to these vessels and to the patient's bile ducts. At ACLDT, a precise and highly-individualised diagnostic tool is employed to enable the surgeon to perform the donor operation (about seven hours) with safety and confidence. Although 30 percent of a liver is adequate to sustain normal function, surgeons will only harvest 50 percent of the donor’s liver. Even so, in about two months, the liver will grow back to its original size. At ACLDT, the long-term success rate stands at about 85 percent on average.

Asian Centre for Liver Disease & Transplantation www.kctanliverclinic.com.sg

#02-37, 6A Napier Rd Annexe Block, Gleneagles Hospital Tel: (65) 6476-2088

Established in 1994, this was the first private centre in Asia dedicated to the treatment of all types of liver diseases in adults and children. Boasting highly-specialised and diverse medical expertise coupled with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, ACLDT is now a well-established centre of excellence treating patients from all over the region.