| Theme |
Advancement of Medical Practice for Peritonitis and Ascites |
| Title |
Denver Peritoneovenous Shunt for Refractory Ascites |
| Author |
Hiroaki Shigoka |
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center |
| Author |
Katsushige Gon |
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center |
| Author |
Michihiro Saito |
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center |
| Author |
Junya Tokuhisa |
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center |
| Author |
Takashi Tanaka |
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center |
| Author |
Iruru Maetani |
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center |
| [ Summary ] |
A peritoneovenous shunt is a device introduced in the body to create a shunt between the abdominal cavity and a central vein to return large quantities of ascitic fluid directly into the systemic circulation as a means of reducing ascites. Establishment of this shunt is a relatively easy technique. Although ascites can be controlled using this method in several patients, the risk of adverse events such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), pulmonary edema, and shunt dysfunction cannot be ignored. Thus, it should be used only in patients with the appropriate indications. In patients with advanced cancer, the post‒procedure performance scores in patients undergoing this shunt procedure are better than those in patients undergoing paracentesis. Placement of a peritoneovenous shunt pump is relatively safe and effective in improving a patient's quality of life. |