Hepatitis B

Surgery

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. There is no surgical treatment for hepatitis B.

If you develop advanced liver damage because of hepatitis and your condition becomes life-threatening, you may need a liver transplant.

In rare cases, short-term (acute) hepatitis B progresses rapidly to liver failure, a life-threatening condition called fulminant hepatitis. For some people, liver transplantation offers the only hope for survival.


Go to previous sectionGo to previous sectionGo to top of pageGo to top of pageGo to next sectionGo to next section
Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELSLast Updated: October 15, 2007
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology

© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Click here to learn about Healthwise

Topic Contents
 Topic Overview
 Health Tools Click here to view Health Tools.
 Cause
 Symptoms
 What Happens
 What Increases Your Risk
 When To Call a Doctor
 Exams and Tests
 Treatment Overview
 Prevention
 Home Treatment
 Medications
Arrow PointerSurgery
 Other Treatment
 Other Places To Get Help
 References
 Credits