Ascites
Treatment for Ascites
The treatment of ascites depends on its cause. If portal hypertension is the cause of ascites, medical management using diuretics and salt restriction is often effective in portal hypertensive patients.
Most patients who have ascites as a result of cirrhosis respond to dietary sodium restriction and diuretics. Diuretics can increase the amount of urine excreted, thus decreasing the amount of retained fluid. Diuretics and their usage must be prescribed by a physician.
If diuretics and salt restriction are not effective, in some cases, doctors may perform paracentesis to draw off the fluid from the abdomen. A few liters of fluid can be removed at a time.
In other cases where the paracentesis procedure is repeatedly required to prevent the re-accumulation of fluid, the physician may resort to other means. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may be implanted to redirect the fluid and provide relief. This procedure is performed by a vascular radiologist.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider.
References
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Nabili, M.D. Siamak. “Ascites” http://www.medicinenet.com/ascites/article.htm. Retrieved on October 7, 2010.
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