Preface

Liver cirrhosis represents the ultimate state of hepatic dysfunction, where a variety of different etiologies lead to the same state of liver failure. The complex nature of the various etiologies, as well as the critical role of hepatic physiology, necessitate a multimodal approach towards diagnosis and management, especially since it is a disease affecting millions of patients of all ages around the globe. It is understandable that during this process, several debates arise, which ultimately have led to significant contributions in the management of liver cirrhosis.

This book provides an overview of all the above with chapters presenting the different etiologies of cirrhosis, the significant complications seen in these patients requiring complex management, as well as the issue of liver transplantation, which remains the ultimate cure. Its value lies in the fact that the authors present us with their distilled wisdom, which is the result of substantial experience and daily involvement in this most difficult field of medicine and surgery.

Overall, this book should be a useful resource for any physician, whether they are in training or in practice, treating patients with hepatic diseases.

> **Georgios Tsoulfas, MD, PhD, FICS, FACS** Associate Professor of Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
