patients can have dramatic improvement in liver dysfunction with ongoing and complete sobriety. i have seen dozens of pts avoid liver transplantation in this fashion. patients can lead a normal life after transplantation. there are many patients in our program who are alive since their transplant of 1989
Until you receive an answer from Dr. Shiano, you can find a fairly complete write-up on cirrhosis at: http://www.medicinenet.com/cirrhosis/article.htm. It discusses: What is cirrhosis?, Why does cirrhosis cause problems?, What are the signs and symptoms of cirrhosis? , What are the common causes of cirrhosis?, How is cirrhosis diagnosed and evaluated? , How is cirrhosis treated? What is new and in the future for cirrhosis? Cirrhosis at a Glance, Patient Discussions: Cirrhosis of the Liver - Symptoms at Onset of Disease.
It contains a long section on alcoholic cirrhosis, and discusses all complications and treatments including ascites .
It is impossible to give a lifespan with a transplant since it depends on many factors unique to the recipient but a patient has a higher survival rate when compliant with medication and follow-up care. However there are general numbers frequently used for one and five year life expectancy of 85-90% for one year and 75-80% at five years. I am currently more than 10 years post transplant and know people even longer who are living normal lives.