Abstract
Cirrhosis is 12th on the list of leading causes of death in the US. Cirrhosis is characterized by scarring of the liver tissue due to inflammation that could lead to liver failure and death. Some patients develop cancer in due course of the illness. The scarring, which is usually permanent, covers the outer layer with collagen, makes the liver very rigid and limits the exchange of blood between the portal vein and the liver, thereby creating excess pressure in the hepatic portal vein. The scarring renders the removal of toxin such as alcohol difficult due to depletion of hepatocytes. ...
