Conditions
Decompensated cirrhosis
Quick answer
Decompensated cirrhosis means the scarred liver can no longer keep up. Signs include fluid in the belly (ascites), bleeding from food-pipe veins, jaundice or confusion (hepatic encephalopathy). This is usually the point when a liver transplant assessment is advised. Medicines and procedures control complications while that is planned.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
What this stage or type means
- At least one major complication has appeared: ascites, variceal bleeding, jaundice or encephalopathy.
- The liver's ability to make proteins and clear toxins is failing.
- Hospital admissions often become more frequent.
- Doctors use MELD and Child-Pugh scores to judge urgency.
- This marks a clear change in long-term risk.
Treatment options
Liver transplant assessment
For eligible patients, transplant offers the only lasting answer once the liver has decompensated. In India this is mostly a living donor transplant.
Ascites control
Low-salt diet, water tablets, and draining fluid with a needle (paracentesis) when needed.
Variceal banding
Rubber bands are placed on food-pipe veins through an endoscope to reduce bleeding risk.
TIPS
A stent inside the liver lowers portal pressure for selected people with repeat bleeding or fluid.
Encephalopathy medicines
Lactulose and rifaximin help clear toxins that affect the brain.
Tests that confirm it
- MELD score blood tests (bilirubin, INR, creatinine, sodium)
- Ultrasound with Doppler of liver vessels
- Upper endoscopy
- Ascitic fluid test
- Triple-phase CT or MRI of the liver
Outlook
Survival is lower once decompensation occurs than in the compensated phase. A liver transplant can greatly change the outlook for suitable patients. The hepatology team explains your scores and timing.
Planning treatment in India
- A transplant trip is long, often a couple of months or more for patient and donor together; the team sets the date you can fly home.
- Send recent MELD blood tests, imaging, endoscopy reports and discharge summaries first.
- Travel only when stable; recent bleeding or confusion may mean a medical escort is needed.
- Identify a donor, usually a close relative, and request relationship documents from your embassy early.
Questions to ask your specialist
- What are my MELD and Child-Pugh scores?
- Am I a candidate for a liver transplant?
- Who in my family could be a donor?
- How do we control my fluid until transplant?
- Is it safe for me to fly now?
Related treatments
Other stages and types
Frequently asked questions
Can decompensated cirrhosis become compensated again?
Sometimes, if the cause is fully removed, as with stopping alcohol or treating hepatitis B. Doctors call this recompensation, and it is not certain.
Is living donor liver transplant possible for foreigners in India?
Yes, with a related donor and approvals required under Indian transplant law. The hospital guides you through documents.
Why does my abdomen keep filling with fluid?
High pressure in the liver veins and low blood protein push fluid into the belly. Salt restriction and water tablets help.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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