Liver transplant: A liver transplant is needed when the liver no longer
functions adequately, whatever the cause.
Liver cancer treatment: While liver cancer is usually difficult to cure,
treatment consists of chemotherapy and radiation. In some cases, surgical
resection or liver transplantation is performed.
Paracentesis: When severe ascites -- swelling in the belly from liver
failure -- causes discomfort, a needle can be inserted through the skin to
drain fluid from the abdomen.
SOURCES:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases web site:
"Liver."
Netter F. Atlas of Human Anatomy, 3rd edition, Saunders, 2002.
Young B, Wheater's Functional Histology, 4th edition, Churchill
Livingstone, 2000.