Management of alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver

Patients with liver disease require skilled, complex management of the inevitable complications associated with hepatic dysfunction. Portal hypertension, a major consequence of cirrhosis of the liver, causes ascites and esophageal variceal hemorrhages. Many clinical and surgical treatment options are available to manage these complications; however, they often produce only temporary symptom control and may beget further morbidity. This article focuses on the etiology, complications, and treatment of alcoholic cirrhosis. Perioperative nursing care of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis is based on an understanding of normal hepatic functions and the systemic effects of cirrhosis.