TREATMENT OF INTRACTABLE ASCITES IN CIRRHOTIC-PATIENTS BY PORTAL-SYSTEMIC SHUNT

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 7  (5) , 533-539
Abstract
Patients (41) with chronic liver disease and intractable ascites were treated by a portosystemic shunt. Operative mortality was 4.8%. Ascites was definitely cleared in 97% of the 39 survivors. Fourteen patients later developed encephalopathy which was severe in 6 (15.3%). One-yr survival rate was 72%. Late deaths were mainly due to complications of liver disease. Portal diversion is an efficient and permanent treatment of intractable ascites in cirrhotic patients. Operative mortality and overall survival rates are similar to those observed after peritoneovenous shunting. The peritoneovenous shunt is preferable as the 1st-choice treatment of intractable ascites in cirrhotics because of the risk of encephalopathy. Portal diversion should be proposed for patients with previous variceal hemorrhage and for those in whom peritoneovenous shunt has failed.

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