Procedural Management of Benign Ascites
摘要
The mainstay of benign ascites medical management consists of fluid restriction and diuretic therapy. However, many patients are refractory to these measures. Interventional therapy is an important pillar of benign ascites management. In this chapter, the pathophysiology of ascites accumulation, as well as the medical treatment options, will be discussed. Common and less frequent interventional approaches for benign ascites management will be included in this chapter, including large-volume paracentesis, PleurX drainage catheter placement, Denver shunt placement, and installation of the relatively novel Alfapump system. While splenic artery embolization has a long history of use in trauma, it is more recently being employed for refractory ascites treatment, especially in the post-liver transplant population. Finally, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation as an evidence-based intervention in the procedural management of ascites will be discussed, highlighting its underuse and potential in the liver cirrhosis patient population.