Can the liver repair itself after years of drinking. How long does it take for the liver to heal from alcohol damage. What are the signs that your liver is healing from alcohol abuse. How can you support liver regeneration after quitting alcohol.

Understanding Liver Damage from Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse can cause significant damage to the liver over time. The liver is responsible for processing toxins, including alcohol, in the body. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to various liver conditions, ranging from fatty liver disease to cirrhosis. However, the liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate and heal itself under certain circumstances.

Types of Alcohol-Related Liver Damage

• Fatty liver disease
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Cirrhosis

Each of these conditions represents a different stage of liver damage, with cirrhosis being the most severe and potentially irreversible form.

The Liver’s Capacity for Self-Healing

The liver is one of the most resilient organs in the human body, capable of regenerating itself even after significant damage. This remarkable ability is due to the liver’s unique cellular structure and regenerative properties.

How Does Liver Regeneration Work?

Liver regeneration occurs through the proliferation of existing liver cells (hepatocytes) and the activation of stem cells. When part of the liver is damaged or removed, the remaining healthy cells divide and grow to compensate for the lost tissue. This process can restore liver function and size, often within weeks or months.

Signs That Your Liver Is Healing

As the liver begins to heal, several positive changes can occur throughout the body. These signs indicate that liver function is improving and the organ is regenerating.

• Reduced brain fog and improved mental clarity
• Increased energy levels
• Decreased inflammation and pain
• Stabilized weight
• Restored skin and eye color
• Increased appetite
• Improved blood work results

These improvements can be gradual but are often noticeable as the liver continues to heal and regenerate.

The Timeline of Liver Healing After Quitting Alcohol

The liver’s healing process begins almost immediately after a person stops consuming alcohol. However, the timeline for complete recovery can vary depending on the extent of the damage and individual factors.

Short-Term Healing (1-4 weeks)

Within the first few weeks of abstaining from alcohol, the liver begins to shed excess fat and reduce inflammation. This initial phase can lead to improvements in liver function tests and a decrease in symptoms such as fatigue and abdominal discomfort.

Medium-Term Healing (1-6 months)

Over the course of several months, liver cells continue to regenerate, and liver function continues to improve. Many people experience significant improvements in energy levels, mental clarity, and overall health during this period.

Long-Term Healing (6 months and beyond)

For those with more severe liver damage, complete healing may take several months to a year or more. In some cases of advanced cirrhosis, full recovery may not be possible, but abstaining from alcohol can still lead to significant improvements in liver function and quality of life.

Factors Affecting Liver Regeneration

While the liver has a remarkable capacity for self-healing, several factors can influence the speed and extent of regeneration:

• Age
• Overall health status
• Nutritional status
• Extent of liver damage
• Presence of other liver conditions
• Genetic factors

These factors can impact the liver’s ability to regenerate and may affect the timeline for recovery.

Supporting Liver Healing and Regeneration

While the liver has an innate ability to heal itself, there are several steps individuals can take to support and promote liver regeneration:

Abstaining from Alcohol

The most crucial step in supporting liver healing is to stop consuming alcohol completely. This allows the liver to focus on regeneration without the added stress of processing toxins.

Adopting a Healthy Diet

A balanced diet rich in nutrients can support liver health and promote regeneration. Foods that are particularly beneficial for liver health include:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower)
• Berries and other antioxidant-rich fruits
• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole grains

Staying Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for overall health and can support liver function. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps flush toxins from the body and supports the liver’s detoxification processes.

Regular Exercise

Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve liver function and promote overall health. Exercise can help reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and support weight management, all of which are beneficial for liver health.

Avoiding Toxins

Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins and harmful substances can reduce the burden on the liver and support its healing process. This includes avoiding excessive use of over-the-counter medications, limiting exposure to pollutants, and being cautious with herbal supplements.

Medical Interventions for Liver Healing

In some cases, medical interventions may be necessary to support liver healing and prevent further damage. These interventions can range from medications to more invasive procedures, depending on the severity of liver damage.

Medications

Certain medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, or address specific liver conditions. These may include:

• Antiviral medications for viral hepatitis
• Corticosteroids for severe alcoholic hepatitis
• Diuretics to manage fluid retention
• Medications to control itching or other symptoms

Liver Transplantation

In cases of severe liver damage or liver failure, a liver transplant may be necessary. This procedure involves replacing the damaged liver with a healthy liver from a donor. While liver transplantation is a major surgery, it can be life-saving for individuals with end-stage liver disease.

Monitoring Liver Health During Recovery

Regular monitoring of liver health is crucial during the recovery process. This allows healthcare providers to track progress, adjust treatment plans if necessary, and identify any potential complications.

Liver Function Tests

Blood tests that measure liver enzymes and other markers of liver function are commonly used to assess liver health. These tests can provide valuable information about the liver’s recovery and overall function.

Imaging Studies

Ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to visualize the liver and assess its size, structure, and any signs of scarring or other abnormalities.

Liver Biopsy

In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to evaluate the extent of liver damage and monitor the healing process. This procedure involves taking a small sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope.

Long-Term Outlook for Liver Recovery

The long-term outlook for liver recovery after alcohol abuse depends on various factors, including the extent of damage, the individual’s overall health, and their commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Potential for Full Recovery

In many cases, especially when alcohol abuse is addressed early, the liver can recover fully or nearly fully. However, it’s important to note that some forms of liver damage, particularly advanced cirrhosis, may not be completely reversible.

Importance of Ongoing Care

Even after significant improvement in liver function, ongoing care and monitoring are essential. This includes regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding alcohol and other substances that can harm the liver.

Psychological Aspects of Liver Recovery

The process of liver recovery following alcohol abuse often involves significant psychological challenges. Addressing these aspects is crucial for long-term success in maintaining liver health and overall well-being.

Dealing with Alcohol Withdrawal

The initial stages of liver recovery often coincide with alcohol withdrawal, which can be both physically and psychologically challenging. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include:

• Anxiety and irritability
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• In severe cases, hallucinations or seizures

Managing these symptoms often requires medical supervision and support to ensure safety and comfort during the withdrawal process.

Addressing Underlying Mental Health Issues

Many individuals with alcohol use disorder may have co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders. Addressing these underlying issues is essential for successful long-term recovery and liver health.

Building a Support System

Developing a strong support system is crucial for maintaining sobriety and supporting liver health. This may include:

• Family and friends
• Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous
• Professional counseling or therapy
• Peer support programs

These support systems can provide encouragement, accountability, and practical assistance during the recovery process.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Long-Term Liver Health

Maintaining liver health after recovery requires ongoing commitment to a healthy lifestyle. This includes not only abstaining from alcohol but also making other positive changes to support overall health and well-being.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can have negative impacts on liver health and overall well-being. Implementing effective stress management techniques can support liver recovery and prevent relapse. Some helpful strategies include:

• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Engaging in hobbies and enjoyable activities
• Time management and prioritization

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Obesity and excess body weight can contribute to liver problems, including fatty liver disease. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity is crucial for long-term liver health.

Avoiding Other Harmful Substances

While alcohol is a primary concern for liver health, other substances can also impact liver function. It’s important to be cautious with:

• Over-the-counter medications, particularly acetaminophen
• Illicit drugs
• Certain herbal supplements
• Environmental toxins

Always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements, especially during liver recovery.

The Role of Alternative Therapies in Liver Recovery

While conventional medical treatments are the cornerstone of liver recovery, some individuals may explore complementary or alternative therapies to support their healing process. It’s important to approach these options with caution and always consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating them into a treatment plan.

Herbal Remedies

Some herbal remedies have been traditionally used to support liver health, including:

• Milk thistle
• Dandelion root
• Turmeric
• Licorice root

While some studies suggest potential benefits, more research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of these herbs for liver recovery. It’s crucial to remember that even natural remedies can interact with medications or have side effects, so professional guidance is essential.

Acupuncture

Some individuals find acupuncture helpful in managing symptoms associated with liver disease and supporting overall well-being during recovery. While more research is needed to establish its effectiveness for liver healing specifically, acupuncture may help with stress reduction and symptom management.

Nutritional Supplements

Certain nutritional supplements may be recommended to support liver health and overall nutrition during recovery. These may include:

• Vitamin B complex
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Omega-3 fatty acids

However, it’s crucial to use supplements under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as some can interact with medications or potentially harm the liver if used inappropriately.

The Importance of Patient Education in Liver Recovery

Education plays a crucial role in successful liver recovery and long-term health maintenance. Understanding the liver’s functions, the impact of alcohol abuse, and the recovery process can empower individuals to take an active role in their healing journey.

Understanding Liver Function

A basic understanding of how the liver works and its importance in overall health can motivate individuals to prioritize liver care. Key points to understand include:

• The liver’s role in detoxification
• Its importance in metabolism and nutrient processing
• The liver’s ability to regenerate
• The impact of lifestyle choices on liver health

Recognizing Early Signs of Liver Problems

Educating patients about early signs of liver issues can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes. These signs may include:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Unexplained weight loss

Understanding Treatment Options

Patients should be informed about various treatment options available for liver recovery, including:

• Lifestyle modifications
• Medications
• Nutritional support
• Potential need for liver transplantation in severe cases

This knowledge can help patients make informed decisions about their care and actively participate in their treatment plan.

The Future of Liver Recovery Research

As medical science advances, new treatments and approaches to liver recovery are being developed. Staying informed about these developments can provide hope and potentially new options for those on the path to liver recovery.

Stem Cell Therapies

Research into stem cell therapies for liver regeneration is ongoing. These therapies aim to harness the body’s own regenerative capabilities to repair liver damage more effectively.

Targeted Drug Therapies

Scientists are working on developing new medications that can more specifically target liver inflammation, fibrosis, and other aspects of liver damage.

Artificial Liver Support Devices

Advances in bioengineering are leading to the development of artificial liver support devices that can temporarily take over liver functions, giving the organ time to heal or bridging the gap until transplantation.

Personalized Medicine Approaches

Emerging research in genetics and molecular biology is paving the way for more personalized approaches to liver disease treatment, tailoring interventions to an individual’s specific genetic makeup and risk factors.

What Are the Signs Your Liver Is Healing?

Your liver can heal itself after damage over time. Signs can include increased energy and improved blood work.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.8% of U.S. adults have liver disease. That’s about 4.5 million people. But people can manage many types of liver diseases and even reverse them.

It’s important to know that your liver can heal and regenerate. As the liver heals, positive changes occur throughout the body. The changes can include improvements in how your digestive system functions, the way your skin looks and feels, increased mental clarity, and higher energy levels.

When your liver regenerates, you may notice some effects. Signs your liver is healing include:

1. Reduced brain fog: When your liver isn’t functioning as it should, it can create a backup of toxins in your system. This can make it hard for you to think clearly, leading to confusion and brain fog. But liver healing may improve your ability to focus and sharpen your memory.
2. Increased energy: Reduced liver function can negatively affect your metabolism. This can leave you feeling fatigued and sluggish. But when your liver rebounds, your energy can rebound, too.
3. Reduced pain: Liver inflammation can be painful. As your liver regenerates, the inflammation can decrease, and your pain may lessen, too.
4. Stabilized weight: Your liver’s relationship with your metabolism means that liver function can affect your weight. It’s common for people experiencing liver disease to have both nutritional deficiencies and unintentional weight gain. But you may be able to manage your weight more easily the more your liver heals.
5. Restored skin and eye color: When your liver stops working correctly, toxins build up in your body. High concentrations of toxins can cause the yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes. The usual color of your skin and eyes can return through the healing process.
6. Increased appetite: Digesting foods and nutrients can become easier as the liver healing continues. Usually, your appetite can improve as well.
7. Improved blood work: Liver healing can lower toxin levels in your blood and improve liver function. You can see evidence of these improvements in your lab work.

Yes, your liver can heal and regenerate. Liver tissue can grow back after it experiences damage or a doctor removes it. This is because the liver can enlarge existing liver cells. New liver cells then grow and multiply in the injury or removal area.

However, liver disease can affect your liver’s ability to heal. Scarring and inflammation can slow down and even stop healing.

Withdrawal from alcohol

Quitting alcohol, if possible, is an important step that can help your liver heal. The first week away from drinking can cause withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to not having alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• headache
• anxiety
• restlessness
• tremors
• insomnia
• confusion
• increased heart rate and blood pressure

Learn more about how to stop drinking alcohol.

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Healing can begin within the first few days after drinking stops. Depending on the severity of the damage, complete healing can take weeks or months.

However, not all damage is reversible. If liver damage is extensive and has been long-term, it might not be possible to reverse all of it. Your doctor will discuss the extent of your liver damage, and how much of it can heal, with you.

You might have seen liver “detox” drinks advertised or sitting on store shelves. These could look like a good idea, but there’s no evidence these drinks do anything to help your liver.

Your liver detoxes and heals itself. You don’t need to spend money on detox products. However, there are some steps you can take to help your liver as it heals.

Your liver is responsible for more than 500 essential body functions, including regulating chemical levels and processing substances in your blood so that your body can use them appropriately. Other important functions of the liver include:

• producing bile, blood proteins, and cholesterol
• converting poisonous ammonia to urea that your body can pass through your urine
• processing hemoglobin so that your body can use it as iron
• storing iron
• clearing medications, drugs, toxins, and other poisonous substances from the blood
• controlling blood clotting
• making immune factors
• removing bacteria from the bloodstream and bilirubin from blood cells

Liver disease refers to several different conditions that cause harm to your liver. Liver disease can progress with time and lead to liver scarring, called cirrhosis. If scar tissue replaces enough healthy liver tissue, your liver will not function as it should. It is important to get treatment for liver disease to avoid liver failure.

There are multiple types of liver disease, including:

• Hepatitis: It creates liver swelling. An infection causes hepatitis types A, B, and C.
• Autoimmune hepatitis: It also creates liver swelling, but infection does not cause it. Instead, it occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your liver, causing inflammation.
• Liver cancer: It involves tumor growth on the liver.
• Fatty liver disease: It occurs when fat builds around the liver. Sometimes, heavy alcohol use causes this. But it’s possible to develop fatty liver even if you don’t drink alcohol.
• Wilson’s disease: It involves too much copper building up in your liver.
• Hemochromatosis: It involves too much iron building up in your liver.

The liver can regenerate and heal, and doctors can cure many liver diseases or manage them if you get early treatment. However, liver disease is serious. Getting treatment as soon as possible can help you prevent permanent damage.

It’s important to get regular check-ups and liver panels to keep an eye on your liver health. That can help doctors detect potential liver disease early and provide treatment right away.

You can learn more about liver healing by reading the answers to some common questions below.

Can you prevent liver disease?

Not all liver disease can be preventable, but you can take these steps to reduce your risk:

• Limit or avoid alcohol intake, red meat, trans fat, and high fructose corn syrup.
• Get plenty of exercise.
• Be careful with your medication intake, including over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen.
• Use a barrier method during sexual activity, if possible.

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

The exact symptoms of liver disease depend on the specific liver disease you have. For instance, fatty liver disease sometimes has no symptoms at all. However, there are some symptoms that are common among multiple liver diseases. These include:

• tight-sided stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• jaundice
• fatigue
• easy bruising
• swollen arms and legs
• changes to your stool and urine color

Can any other organs or body regenerate?

Your liver is the part of your body with the greatest ability to heal and regenerate, but it’s not the only one. Other parts of your body that can regenerate include:

• intestine linings
• brain cells and connections
• cornea layers
• skin cells
• bones after they break

Getting liver disease treatment can prevent liver failure and even death. Additionally, it’s possible to reverse many cases of liver damage. In many cases, your liver can regenerate and heal after just a few months.

As your liver heals, you’ll start to feel positive health effects throughout your body, including increased energy, better mental clarity, improved digestion, better skin health, and more.

The sooner you manage your liver disease and take steps to heal your liver, the more your likelihood of reversing liver damage can improve.

The Stages of Liver Disease

Your liver performs essential, life-sustaining functions

In America, liver disease affects millions and is on the rise. Did you know there are more than 100 different types of liver disease? Living with long-term, chronic liver disease can cause damage to your liver.

Common Causes of Liver Disease

• Viruses
• Genetics
• Autoimmune disease
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Poor diet and/or obesity
• Reactions to medications, street drugs, or toxic chemicals

Most liver diseases damage your liver in similar ways and for many, the progression of liver disease looks the same regardless of the underlying disease.

Early Diagnosis of Liver Disease is Very Important

Early diagnosis may prevent damage from occurring in your liver. Your liver is an incredible organ. If you’re diagnosed when some scar tissue has already formed, your liver can repair and even regenerate itself. Because of this, damage from liver disease can often be reversed with a well-managed treatment plan.

Many people with liver disease do not look or feel sick even though damage is happening to their liver. At a certain point in the progression of liver disease damage can become irreversible and lead to liver failure, liver cancer, or death.

Visit the Progression of Liver Disease Toolkit.
Learn how you can help promote awareness of the progression of liver disease.

The Healthy Liver

We all need a healthy liver to live – it’s so essential that “live” is in the name!

Learn more about your liver.

Hepatitis (Inflammation)

While this controlled inflammation is essential to maintain proper function and balance in the liver, if it becomes dysregulated it drives the progression of liver disease. This diseased inflammation is called hepatitis.

Learn more about Hepatitis.

Fibrosis (Scarring)

When someone has liver disease, their liver enters into a very dangerous cycle. Persistent inflammation, or hepatitis, sends nonstop signals to repair cells to continue depositing collagen. The extra collagen stiffens around the tissue like it is supposed to in the healthy liver; but, instead of a signal being released to stop the inflammation and discard the extra collagen, the inflammation continues, and even more collagen is deposited, leading to more stiffening. This is how fibrosis develops.

Learn more about Fibrosis.

Cirrhosis (Severe Scarring)

Cirrhosis is where your liver is severely scarred and permanently damaged.  While the word cirrhosis is most commonly heard when people discuss alcohol-induced liver disease, cirrhosis is caused by many forms of liver disease.

Learn more about Cirrhosis.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is cancer that begins in the cells of your liver. While several types of cancer can form in the liver, the most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC, which begins in the main type of liver cells (hepatocytes).

Learn more about Liver Cancer.

Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation is a surgical procedure performed to remove a diseased or injured liver from one person and replace it with a whole or a portion of a healthy liver from another person, called the donor.

Learn more about Liver Transplantation.

What to Ask Your Doctor

The best thing anyone can do for their health is to stay engaged in their healthcare.  Be an active member of your care team by regularly visiting your healthcare provider, undergoing routine surveillance when needed, making the most of your appointments by asking questions and learning more about your health.

Learn what to ask your doctor.

Last updated on March 2nd, 2023 at 12:55 pm

Cirrhosis of the liver: symptoms and treatment

Our staff is highly qualified specialists with many years of successful experience. Thanks to modern diagnostic methods (including our own laboratory), it is possible to detect the disease at an early stage and successfully cure it.

Cirrhosis of the liver is a disease in which scars appear on the liver. They interfere with the supply of blood to the liver, which leads not only to an external change in the organ, but also to a violation of its functions.

The most common causes of cirrhosis of the liver include the following:

• Alcoholism or alcohol abuse. Most often, cirrhosis develops after 10 to 15 years of regular alcohol consumption.
• Viral hepatitis: B, C, D.
• Diseases of the biliary tract. In particular, their blockage. According to statistics, if left untreated, cirrhosis of the liver can develop against its background in less than a year.
• Medicinal preparations. Uncontrolled intake can lead to the development of cirrhosis.
• Cryptogenic factors – the appearance of the disease for unknown reasons.

The general practitioner treats the widest range of diseases – sign up for a consultation at the clinic. Come to: st. Zelenogradskaya, 39/1

Cirrhosis of the liver: symptoms and treatment

• Asthenic. It is characterized by a decrease or complete lack of appetite, fatigue, fever. Difficulties arise with concentration, sleep disturbances and emotional states appear (unreasonable resentment, irritability and pickiness).
• Dyspeptic syndrome is characterized by physiological manifestations. In particular, there is nausea, vomiting, a feeling of bitterness appears in the mouth, and belching occurs. When eating spicy or fatty foods, especially with a combination of alcohol – pain, heaviness, flatulence, etc.

Over time, the symptoms expand. The movements of the joints become painful, a high irreducible temperature appears. The color of the skin takes on yellow-brown hues, and the urine becomes the color of dark beer. There is itching. The pain in the abdomen intensifies, and he becomes larger in size. Breathing is difficult, especially when lying down.

Thus, with cirrhosis of the liver, symptoms and treatment should begin as soon as possible. This will avoid the severe consequences of the disease and make the treatment more effective. In the medical center “M-Vita” in Moscow, you can undergo an examination and, if necessary, start treatment.

Treatment of liver cirrhosis in Moscow

The M-Vita network of medical centers in the SAO offers effective treatment for liver cirrhosis in Moscow at an adequate price. Our staff consists of highly qualified specialists with many years of successful experience. Thanks to modern diagnostic methods (including our own laboratory), it is possible to detect the disease at an early stage and successfully cure it.

If you suspect liver cirrhosis symptoms and want to start treatment immediately, call us at the contacts indicated or visit our medical center. We are located in Moscow, in the Khovrino and Degunino districts, near the Rechnoy Vokzal and Petrovsko-Razumovskaya metro stations. The exact address and directions are indicated in the “contacts” section.

National Medical Research Center of Oncology named after N.N. N.N. Blokhin

“Local doctors gave me a maximum of 6 months to live. Four years have passed since then. I don’t even have signs of a tumor. And ideal analyzes of an absolutely healthy person.

He walks along the corridors of the Cancer Center with a confident triumphant gait: “I come here as if I were at home, yes, these walls seem to give me strength!” This story began in 2003. When Abdurakhman Kadiev from the Dagestan city of Izberbash was 45 years old, he was diagnosed with hepatitis B. However, no infection was found in his wife, and the doctors explained that his hepatitis was “passive”, it is enough to regularly support the liver with hepatoprotectors and live without problems at least up to a hundred years .

Abdurakhman strictly followed the recommendations of the doctors. By nature, he is an energetic, active person, not without career ambitions – he started with the city committee of the Komsomol, then held senior positions in the administration of his city, was the director of the plant. Getting sick was not part of his plans. In 2018, he began to lose weight dramatically. Lost 12 pounds in a month. “It turned out that I have stage 4 liver cancer,” says the man. – Shock! Why me? What am I doing wrong? Six months left to live! I could not accept this and went to Moscow.

– First of all, it was necessary to understand how widespread the tumor process is, – comments the leading researcher of the Chemotherapy Department N17 of the Research Institute of Clinical Oncology of the Cancer Center, MD. Valery Breder. “Had magnetic resonance imaging, laboratory tests that evaluate liver function. What we saw was even worse than we could have expected.

– Tumor involvement of more than 50% of the liver, multiple metastases in its left lobe, involvement of the main intrahepatic vessel in the tumor process, – describes the picture of Valery Breder. – There is a giant tumor thrombus in the right branch of the portal vein. Liver cancer, which does not give the possibility of organ transplantation, is not subject to either interventional radiological effects or surgical treatment, because even with successful intervention, the disease always returns very quickly. The only option available to this patient is systemic chemotherapeutic drug treatment, the effectiveness of which is usually extremely low in liver cancer.

A scenario full of drama. However, here he takes a sharp turn. The arrival of Abdurakhman at the Cancer Center coincided with the recruitment of patients into the experimental therapy group. The third phase of a clinical trial of antitumor immunotherapy in combination with an anti-angiogenic, anti-vascular drug – it prevents the formation of vessels in the tumor.

– If standard chemotherapy for liver cancer has an effect somewhere in one out of ten patients, – explains Valery Vladimirovich, – then according to the preliminary data of this research regimen, one out of three can be expected to have an effect. What happened. Patient Kadiev fell into the group of those lucky ones who have a good objective antitumor effect. Moreover, the peculiarity of this effect is that where it happens, it usually lasts a very long time and can grow until the tumor disappears completely. We did not expect, but after two years of effective treatment, our patient became operable from inoperable.

– On the background of intravenous injections of a combination of drugs, according to computed tomography, the tumor was significantly reduced, says senior researcher of the surgical department N7 of tumors of the hepatopancreatobiliary zone, Ph. D. Nikolay Kudashkin. – The thrombus remained in place, but also decreased, “squeezed”, metastatic formations that were there, except for the main node, left the liver. This gave us the opportunity to operate.

On May 27, 2021, the head of the surgical department N7 of tumors of the hepatopancreatobiliary zone, Ph.D. Danil Podluzhny. The portal vein, 1–1.5 cm in diameter, is the only vein that carries blood from the intestines to the liver. The task of the surgical team was to remove the entire right lobe of the liver affected by the tumor, along with the right branch of the portal vein, in which the tumor thrombus was located. Any careless movement of the surgeon on the portal vein is accompanied by a huge amount of blood loss. Within 20-30 seconds, the patient loses a liter of blood.

Before proceeding with the operation, the surgeons studied in detail the state of the functional reserve of the patient’s liver. Will the remaining lobe of the liver be enough to meet the needs of the body in the future? A special study was conducted with the drug indocyanine green, which showed that the overall integrative function of the liver in a man is preserved. The surgeons were convinced that a liver removal volume of 60% would be safe, without the risk of liver failure for the patient in the postoperative period.

– The main difficulty of the operation was that it was necessary to delicately isolate the right portal vein over a sufficiently large extent, localize the top of the thrombus and make sure that we do not accidentally damage the thrombus by clamping, so that it does not migrate and remains in place, – Nikolay clarifies Kudashkin. – It was possible to resort to the technique of clamping the vessel that carries blood to the liver. But Danil Viktorovich managed to do everything without clamping. During the operation, the left side of the liver received blood in full, the flow of blood did not stop for a minute.

Abdurakhman Kadiev has about 40% of his liver left. It is interesting that within a month the liver will “increase” its initial volume. Not due to new cells, but due to hypertrophy, an increase in the size of old ones. At the same time, the liver will work like a healthy one, no worse. There are no restrictions for the patient – he will be able to take any amount of drug treatment, even chemotherapy, if necessary.

– The study of the removed fragment of the liver confirmed our assumption about the high efficiency of the new approach in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, concludes Valery Breder. “Moreover, microscopic examination of the residual tumor did not reveal viable tumor cells in it. The treatment of hepatocellular cancer with a combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab resulted in complete death of the liver tumor. And there was a chance for recovery, especially after a successful radical operation!

“At 63, I feel great, my tests are like those of a boy,” says Abdurakhman Kadiev. – I look to the future with optimism, full of strength, energy, I continue to work as an assistant to the head of the enterprise. I still have everything ahead – to raise my grandchildren, my house in Izberbash, a large garden, a kitchen garden, I do all this myself. Full of plans for at least 20 years!

Is the occurrence of liver cancer related to the hepatitis B virus? Is there such a risk in people with hepatitis C? And what measures should be taken if there is already a diagnosis of hepatitis B or C?

– Yes, according to Valery Breder, chronic viral hepatitis B is a direct risk factor for liver cancer. Even without the formation of liver cirrhosis, as in our patient. The hepatitis B virus genome partially and unpredictably inserts itself into the genome of human liver cells, stimulating the appearance of a tumor. Alas, in our country, chronic viral hepatitis B is still, as a rule, not treated. But the only thing that can reduce the chance of developing liver cancer is antiviral therapy. The best thing is timely vaccination against hepatitis B.

“Hepatitis C is also a very bad story,” continues Dr. Breder. – Sweet killer. You do not feel anything, but chronic inflammation in the liver associated with the virus is an unconditional factor in the development of cirrhosis. And this is a direct risk factor for the development of liver cancer. It is imperative to treat viral hepatitis C, especially since the current therapy can cure it. In a word – people with hepatitis B and C – do not wait for liver cancer, follow the instructions of infectious disease specialists – be treated!

– In Russia, it’s good if one out of ten patients with liver cancer comes to the oncologist in a state where he can be helped, – states Valery Breder. – The rest come when it’s too late to help, because the liver function is already so impaired that we cannot offer the patient any of the effective methods of treatment we have in our arsenal. Because the patient just can’t take it. More than 50% of patients are diagnosed with liver cancer posthumously.

How to make sure that everything is in order with the liver and that the tumor process has not begun to develop there? And how to protect yourself from this formidable oncological disease? The first level of research available to all: clinical, biochemical blood tests, ultrasound examination.