Severe cirrhosis is understood to refer to the decompensated stage of cirrhosis, which is the later stage of the condition, primarily characterized by the hardening of the liver.

Additionally, it presents a series of bodily complications such as ascites, as well as esophageal and gastric varices caused by portal hypertension. Sometimes, because of these varices, accidental rupture can occur during eating, leading to severe bleeding, which is a major upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage — a very dangerous complication. If this bleeding is not controlled, it can become life-threatening. Moreover, the skin may display spider nevi, and palmar erythema can appear on the hands; these are common manifestations and complications during the decompensated phase of cirrhosis.

Thus, cirrhosis is not curable. Treatment focuses on symptomatic relief to minimize discomfort caused by the symptoms, but the disease itself cannot be cured.