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Malignant ascites. A comparison of peritoneovenous shunting and nonoperative management
Author(s) -
Gough Ian R.,
Balderson Glenda A.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19930401)71:7<2377::aid-cncr2820710732>3.0.co;2-h
Subject(s) - peritoneovenous shunt , medicine , ascites , paracentesis , ascitic fluid , surgery , shunt (medical) , shunting
Background . Effective palliation of malignant ascites remains a difficult management problem. Methods . Eighty‐five patients with malignant ascites were studied. Forty‐two patients had peritoneovenous shunts (PVS) inserted (16 LeVeen, 17 single‐valve Denver, 9 double‐valve Denver). Results . Shunt patency was not related to the type of shunt, type of cancer, or any characteristic of the ascitic fluid. Ascites was controlled in 64% of patients with shunts and serum albumin levels were preserved. Survival and quality of life were not significantly different in comparison with those of patients treated by abdominal paracentesis. Conclusions . PVS allowed many patients to be treated successfully outside the hospital and are indicated in carefully selected cases.