Long-term semi-permanent catheter use for the palliation of malignant ascites.

BACKGROUND: Malignant ascites is a common complication of advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer and multiple other neoplasms, causing significant patient morbidity as well as a large treatment obstacle for the physician. While multiple methods of peritoneal drainage have been reported, including large volume therapeutic paracentesis, peritoneogastric, peritoneourinary, and peritoneovenous shunting procedures, peritoneal port-a-catheter placement and hemodialysis catheter drainage, all have their associated limitations and adverse effects. CASE: We report off label semi-permanent catheter placement in a patient for treatment of malignant ascites that functioned effectively with drainage of 2 l daily for approximately 18 months, the longest reported use in the literature.
CONCLUSION: Long-term semi-permanent catheter use is a potentially valuable modality for the palliation of malignant ascites.