S G Tueche1, J C Pector. 1. Gastrointestinal Department Jules Bordet Institute, Tumor Center of the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: This is the review of our experience in the treatment of malignant ascites using Le Veen and Denver peritoneovenous shunt. METHODOLOGY: From 1975-1998, 24 peritoneovenous shunts were inserted in 22 patients with malignant ascites. RESULTS: All patients benefited from the procedure. The principal cause of failure was shunt occlusion (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS: This study permits us to conclude that a preoperative appropriated selection of patients, should decrease failure rate. Patients should be sent to surgery as soon as the diagnosis of recalcitrant ascites is confirmed, to obtain a longer and more comfortable quality of life with terminal cancer.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: This is the review of our experience in the treatment of malignant ascites using Le Veen and Denver peritoneovenous shunt. METHODOLOGY: From 1975-1998, 24 peritoneovenous shunts were inserted in 22 patients with malignant ascites. RESULTS: All patients benefited from the procedure. The principal cause of failure was shunt occlusion (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS: This study permits us to conclude that a preoperative appropriated selection of patients, should decrease failure rate. Patients should be sent to surgery as soon as the diagnosis of recalcitrant ascites is confirmed, to obtain a longer and more comfortable quality of life with terminal cancer.