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Ascites Management

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Gastrointestinal Interventional Radiology

Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

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Abstract

Ascites is the pathologic accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity. There are many underlying etiologies of ascites; therefore the proper clinical management depends on the correct diagnosis of the underlying cause. Ultrasound-guided diagnostic paracentesis is the recommended method for the initial obtainment of ascites at the initial time of diagnosis for laboratory analysis and culture. Therapeutic large-volume paracentesis (LVP) can be utilized for the serial removal of ascites in the setting of recurrent ascites. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) can be placed for the treatment of recurrent transudative ascites secondary to portal hypertension due to hepatic cirrhosis. Liver transplantation represents the definitive curative treatment for refractory ascites secondary to portal hypertension. Tunneled peritoneal catheters can be placed for the treatment of recurrent exudative malignant ascites.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA

    Michael Baldwin

  2. University of New England, Biddeford, Maine, USA

    Mark Amirault

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  1. Michael Baldwin
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  2. Mark Amirault
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Correspondence to Michael Baldwin .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA

    Charan K. Singh

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Baldwin, M., Amirault, M. (2018). Ascites Management. In: Singh, C. (eds) Gastrointestinal Interventional Radiology . Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91316-2_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91316-2_4

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-91315-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-91316-2

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