Peritoneovenous shunts for palliation of malignant ascites.

Background: Malignant ascites may produce a cluster of symptoms that include abdominal distention, early satiety, respiratory embarrassment, impaired mobility, and lethargy, and relief of these symptoms is often difficult to achieve. We report on the placement of peritoneovenous shunts (PVSs) in a group of patients with malignant ascites, with particular reference to the effectiveness and complications of the procedure.

Patients And Method: PVSs were inserted in 9 patients with malignant ascites after obtaining their informed consent. The patients were 6 men and 3 women with a median age of 59 years. All had previously been treated with vigorous diuretic therapy or repeated paracentesis or both. Shunt insertion was carried out via a percutaneous approach under local anesthesia.

Results: The procedure was well tolerated by all patients. The abdominal distention resolved in all patients, and urine volume increased significantly, demonstrating that the PVS did not affect renal function. The platelet count was reduced, and prothrombin time was prolonged. Two patients had the complication of shunt occlusion, and both patients underwent shunt replacement. There were no lethal complications. Median survival time after PVS placement was 21 days (range, 10 approximately 90 days), and the shunt was functioning at the time of death with good control of ascites in all patients.

Conclusions: Malignant ascites produces troublesome symptoms for patients, who may live for some time. Placement of a PVS is a well-tolerated, relatively minor surgical procedure that can provide excellent control of ascites in most patients selected. The selection of optimal patients requires further study.