[Role of peritoneovenous shunt therapy in end-of-life care of refractory malignant ascites cases]

The short- and long-term outcomes of 34 patients with refractory malignant ascites who underwent peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) therapy were retrospectively reviewed. The primary disease was gastrointestinal cancer in 31 patients and gynecologic cancer in 3 patients. Regarding performance status, 21 patients had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (PS) 2 and 13 patients were PS 3;thus, many were in a poor general condition. After treatment, abdominal distention disappeared in 79.4% of patients, and appetite improved in 60.9%. The median postoperative survival time was 38 days (range, 1-294 days), and 18 patients (52.9%) were discharged. Disseminated intravascular coagulation with clinical symptoms was observed in 3 patients (8.8%), and heart failure was observed in 7 patients (20.6%). PVS therapy was useful in improving the subjective symptoms of patients with refractory malignant ascites and in enabling them to receive care at home. However, serious postoperative complications are a concern, and appropriate preoperative evaluation is necessary.

Percutaneous implant of Denver peritoneo-venous shunt for treatment of refractory ascites: a single center retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Refractory ascites is defined as a lack of response to high doses of diuretics or the development of diuretic related side effects, which compel the patient to discontinue the diuretic treatment. Current therapeutic strategies include repeated large-volume paracentesis and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). Peritoneovenous shunt (Denver shunt) should be considered for patients with refractory ascites who are not candidates for paracentesis or TIPS. This study presents our case series in the implant of Denver peritoneovenous shunt.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-two patients underwent percutaneous placement of Denver shunt between November 2003 and July 2014. There were 36 men and 26 women. Ascites was secondary to alcoholic cirrhosis in six patients, cryptogenic cirrhosis in six, and virus-related cirrhosis in fifty of them. Liver cirrhosis was classified as Child B in 22 patients and Child C in 40 (no patient was Child A).

RESULTS

All implants were successfully performed. There were no intraoperative problems or lethal complications; our patients were hospitalized for 2 or 3 days. Postoperative complications included: infection of the shunt in 3 patients (4.8%), shunt obstruction in 4 (6.4%) and transient abdominal pain in 4 (6.4%). Significant symptomatic relief was obtained in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The percutaneous placement of a Denver shunt is a technically feasible and effective method for symptomatic relief of refractory ascites.

Therapeutic Application of Percutaneous Peritoneovenous (Denver) Shunt in Treating Chylous Ascites in Cancer Patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous peritoneovenous shunt (PPVS) placement in treating intractable chylous ascites (CA) in patients with cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 28 patients with refractory CA treated with PPVS from April 2001 to June 2015 were reviewed. Demographic characteristics, technical success, efficacy, laboratory values, and complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Technical success was 100%, and ascites resolved or symptoms were relieved in 92.3% (26 of 28) of patients. In 13 (46%) patients with urologic malignancies, whose ascites had resulted from retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, the ascites resolved, resulting in shunt removal within 128 days ± 84. The shunt provided palliation of symptoms in 13 of the remaining 15 patients (87%) for a mean duration of 198 days ± 214. Serum albumin levels increased significantly (21.4%) after PPVS placement from a mean of 2.98 g/dL ± 0.64 before the procedure to 3.62 g/dL ± 0.83 (P < .001). The complication rate was 37%, including shunt malfunction/occlusion (22%), venous thrombosis (7%), and subclinical disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) (7%). Smaller venous limb size (11.5 F) and the presence of peritoneal tumor were associated with a higher rate of shunt malfunction (P < .05). No patient developed overt DIC.

CONCLUSIONS

PPVS can safely and effectively treat CA in patients with cancer, resulting in significant improvement in serum albumin in addition to palliation of symptoms.

Prognosis assessment of patients with refractory ascites treated with a peritoneovenous shunt

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We investigated the postoperative outcome and risk factors for DIC and mortality in cases of implanted PVS.

METHODOLOGY

We reviewed the cases of 65 patients implanted with PVS from 2000 to 2010. Of these patients, 32 were diagnosed with peritonitis carcinomatosa, 21 had liver cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and 12 had liver cirrhosis without HCC.

RESULTS

The postoperative morbidity rate was 18.8%, 76.2%, and 58.3% in cases of peritonitis carcinomatosa, liver cirrhosis with HCC, and liver cirrhosis without HCC, respectively. Early death (within 7 days of surgery) was 7.7% (5/65), and the cause of death in all cases was DIC. Underlying disease, low platelet count, prolongation of prothrombin time (PT), and hyperbilirubinemia were the risk factors for development of DIC, whereas underlying disease, prolongation of PT, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperbilirubinemia were risk factors for early death. Multivariate analysis showed that liver cirrhosis with HCC and prolonged PT were the risk factors for DIC.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis with HCC and those with prolonged PT should not be considered for PVS.

Repositioning of surgically placed peritoneovenous shunt catheter by forming "in situ" loop snare: case report and review of literature

We describe a technique that allows repositioning of malfunctioning peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) catheters. We report a 67-year-old female with refractory ascites, who presented with malfunctioning PVS. The catheter tip was outside the superior vena cava (SVC), possibly in a small mediastinal vein, which makes its tip inaccessible to regular snares and retrieval devices. We used "in situ" loop snare technique to reposition the tip of the catheter into the inferior vena cava (IVC). In situ loop snare technique can be used to reposition malfunctioning PVS catheters caused by a kink or by malposition of its tip. The technique avoids surgical or interventional replacement of these catheters. This technique can be also used for retrieval of foreign body fragments that have no free ends and, therefore, cannot be captured by a snare or other retrieval devices.

Radiological insertion of Denver peritoneovenous shunts for malignant refractory ascites: a retrospective multicenter study (JIVROSG-0809)

PURPOSE

Peritoneal venous shunts (PVSs) are widely used for palliating symptoms of refractory malignant ascites and are recognized as one of the practical methods. However, reliable clinical data are insufficient because most previous reports have been small studies from single centers. We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiologically placed PVSs in patients with malignant refractory ascites.

METHODS

A total of 133 patients with malignant ascites refractory to medical therapies were evaluated for patient characteristics, technical success, efficacy, survival times, adverse events, and changes in laboratory data.

RESULTS

PVSs were successfully placed in all patients and were effective (i.e., improvement of ascites symptoms lasting 7 days or more) in 110 (82.7%). The median duration of symptom palliation was 26 days and median survival time was 41 days. The most frequent adverse event was PVS dysfunction, which occurred in 60 (45.1%) patients, among whom function was recovered with an additional minimally invasive procedure in 9. Abnormalities in coagulation (subclinical disseminated intravascular coagulation) occurred in 37 (27.8%) patients, although only 7 (5.3%) developed clinical disseminated intravascular coagulation. Other major adverse events were gastrointestinal bleeding (9.8%), sepsis (3.8%), and acute heart failure (3.0%). PVS was least effective in patients with elevated serum creatinine, bloody ascites, or gynecologic tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiological PVS is a technically feasible and effective method for palliating the symptoms from refractory malignant ascites, but preoperative evaluation and monitoring the postprocedural complications are mandatory to preclude severe adverse events after PVS.

Right-sided endocarditis secondary to a peritoneovenous shunt

A 51-year-old woman with a peritoneovenous shunt for refractory ascites presented with three months of increasing fatigue, exertional dyspnea, night sweats and positive blood cultures. Imaging revealed multiple pulmonary emboli. Transthoracic&nbsp; chocardiography demonstrated moderate tricuspid regurgitation and a large pedunculated right atrial mass attached to the interatrial septum. The echocardiographic appearance remained unchanged after one month of antibiotic therapy and&nbsp; nticoagulation. Intraoperatively, the mass was easily excised and the grossly abnormal tricuspid valve replaced. Pathology revealed endocarditis with multiple bacterial colonies, and fibromyxoid changes consistent with postinflammatory valve disease.

Peritoneocystic shunting for ascites

The study was designed to determine if a prototype pump could be successfully implanted in the abdomen and effectively remove excess fluid without causing complications for a 1-month period. The procedure was performed on four swine under general anesthesia. A standard two-valve Denver shunt was implanted under the skin with the efferent limb implanted in the urinary bladder. The effectiveness of the pump was verified in vivo by pumping normal saline irrigated into the abdomen. The incision was closed and the animals were observed for any problems. After 1 month, a repeat test of the pump was performed. After this second test, the animals were euthanized and examined for complications of the device. All four swine survived the procedure and the 1-month follow-up. Pump function at the end of the 1-month interval was maintained in three of the four animals. None of the swine developed calculi. There were no consistent pathologic findings, although all four swine showed evidence of reactive inflammation at the insertion site of the efferent limb into the bladder. Preliminary data suggests that a subcutaneously implanted peritoneocystic shunt may be an option for the treatment of tense ascites.

Improved quality of life for malignant ascites patients by Denver peritoneovenous shunts

BACKGROUND

Intractable ascites secondary to malignant disease deteriorates the patients' quality of life.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-three patients, who had undergone Denver peritoneovenous shunt for the treatment of ascites associated with malignant tumor from May 1998 to February 2004, were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Post-operative complications had occurred in twelve patients, including disseminated intravascular coagulation in eight, pulmonary edema in three and wound hematoma in one. The patients' post-operative mean survival was 54.5 days with occlusion occurring in four (12.1%). Comparison of pre- and postoperative values showed a significant decrease of body weight and abdominal girth. Thirteen patients needed no post-operative therapy for ascites, whereas 17 patients could tentatively remain at home or be discharged.

CONCLUSION

The Denver shunt for malignant ascites is useful in improving quality of life, if indications are selected properly. Further experience and discussion are necessary to establish the patient selection criteria.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis in a liver transplant patient: A case report

We report a patient with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and refractory ascites who had received a peritoneal-venous shunt (PVS) 1 year before liver transplantation. Urgent surgical intervention following bowel obstruction and failure of immunosuppression therapy. No intestinal obstruction was found during an initial PVS. However, intestinal obstruction developed 2 wk after liver transplantation; and a cocoon abdomen was found upon exploration. This is the first reported case of cocoon abdomen caused by PVS and exacerbated by liver transplantation.

Removal of subdural-peritoneal shunts in infants

INTRODUCTION

A common method of treating subdural collections is the insertion of a unilateral subdural-peritoneal shunt. In most cases, the shunt can be removed a few months later, but there is the anxiety that removal could cause complications and some surgeons elect to leave the shunts permanently implanted, on the understanding that they are not causing problems. A retrospective review was performed of patients who had their subdural shunts removed after CT evidence of resolution of the collections, with the intention of assessing the possible risks and benefits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of the 19 patients who had insertion of a subdural shunt for infantile subdural collections by a single surgeon between 1999 and 2003, 14 were eligible for removal of the shunt and 13 had the shunt removed, while in 1 patient the parents refused the option of removal. Mean age at shunt insertion was 9.1 months (range 1.5-25.4 months). The mean shunt implantation time was 5 months (range 0.5-11 months). The mean follow-up period was 30.3 months (range 1-59 months).

RESULTS

All shunts were removed successfully without complications. There was difficulty in removing the shunt in one case (implantation time 10 months) because of migration of the shunt, requiring extension of the incision and a small craniectomy. None of the patients required re-insertion of the shunt.

CONCLUSION

Subdural shunts can be removed safely, but it is advisable to perform such an operation during the first 6 months after insertion to avoid undue operative difficulties.

[Alternative options for examination of the patency of peritoneo-venous shunts]

For the treatment of refractory ascites we use the saphenoperitoneal shunt described by Pang in 1992 approximately 2 years. This procedure eliminates the most frequent complications of the former synthetic shunts: occlusion of the collector branches and infections as well. In addition, the use of autologous vein is cost-saving. The first Hungarian publications (K. Vincze and Z. Nagy et al.) reported good results, which are confirmed also by us, after we performed 21 operations. The publications until now usually describe the technique. This intervention is now a widely accepted one. On the other hand, just a small number of papers describe the options for the examination of patency and the follow-ups. We report about the algorithm used in our department after surgery to evaluate graft patency and surgical efficacy. A method to determine the volume of ascites developed by ourselves is described. We feel that the successful application of saphenoperitoneal shunts depends on very close follow-up. Considering that no objective method to check the patency does exist, we are sure that decisions about further operations can only be made if simultaneous diverse follow-up methods are available.

Sclerosing peritonitis: report of three cases

Sclerosing peritonitis is a dramatic complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and chronic peritoneal inflammation. Both visceral and parietal surfaces of the peritoneal cavity are involved. A thickened peritoneum encloses the small intestine in a "cocoon" formation which often leads to intestinal occlusion. CT scan may help obtaining an early diagnosis but diagnosis is often established with some delay or even at the time of laparotomy. Our report describes three cases of this uncommon peritoneal fibrosis syndrome which caused intestinal obstruction requiring surgical intervention.

Peritoneal shunt migration into the pulmonary artery--case report

A 48-year-old man underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage due to left vertebral artery dissection, which had been successfully treated by trapping. The peritoneal catheter was correctly positioned via a right upper abdominal incision, and symptoms related to the hydrocephalus disappeared. One month later, the patient began to complain of pain on the right side of the neck. Chest radiography revealed that the peritoneal end of the catheter had migrated into the right pulmonary artery. The catheter route was explored through a small neck incision, and was found to enter the external jugular vein. The catheter was extracted and repositioned into the peritoneum. This type of shunt migration is quite unusual, but could be lethal by causing pulmonary infarction or arrhythmia. The catheter had probably entered the external jugular vein through a perforation caused by the shunt guide during the ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation. Follow-up radiography should be scheduled to detect such a complication.

Peritoneovenous shunting for nongynecologic malignant ascites

BACKGROUND

The development of malignant ascites has been associated with a poor prognosis. Previous reports have documented high morbidity rates associated with placement of palliative peritoneovenous shunts (PVS). Most study series have included gynecologic malignancies in their analysis, and wide variations in survival time have been reported. Reported data from nongynecologic malignancies and identification of preoperative factors associated with improved outcome were the concerns of the current study, which attempted to identify patients with malignant ascites who might have benefitted from PVS.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed and data including age, gender, weight, preoperative laboratory values, cytology on peritoneal fluid aspirates, and complications within 30 days of the operative procedure were obtained and recorded. Discharge date and follow-up status were obtained for all patients. Statistical analysis was done for categorical values by comparing survival times from date of procedure with follow-up times using the log rank test. Significance for numeric values was determined with Cox regression analysis. Multivariate analysis using Cox regression was performed for those values found to be significant on univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty- five patients who had undergone PVS from 1980-1996 for ascites on the Gastric and Mixed Tumor service at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center were identified. Two patients with benign disease and two patients with ovarian malignancies were excluded. The remaining 51 patients underwent placement of 53 PVSs for palliation. Median survival time for the entire group was 52 days. Univariate analysis identified preoperative blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), BUN to Cr ratio, and diagnosis as significant factors. Preoperative BUN emerged as an independent predictor of survival by multivariate analysis, and those patients who had a BUN value of < = 17 demonstrated a survival advantage over those with a BUN of > 17. The assessable palliation factors were hospital discharge (80% of patients) and weight loss after shunting (68% of patients lost > 1 kg). Ninety-six percent of patients (24 of 25) with a preoperative BUN of < or = 17 were discharged.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of nongynecologic malignant ascites is an end stage event for most patients. The placement of PVS for those patients with nongastrointestinal tumor etiologies, a BUN of < 17, a Cr of < or = 1.1, and a BUN to Cr ratio of < 19 yielded the best results. In the current study, palliation was difficult to assess accurately, although most patients were discharged or lost > 1kg of weight after shunting.

[Sclerosing peritonitis. A complication of LeVeen peritoneovenous shunt]

Sclerosing peritonitis (abdominal cocoon syndrome) is a rare chronic affection of the peritoneum; its etiology is multifactorial and it affects all ages. Capsulating membranes seem to grow from a poorly cellular connective deposition in many layers on the intestinal peritoneum and are casually detected by surgery or autopsy. The placement of the peritoneovenous shunt can favour the deposition of fibrin on the visceral peritoneum, determining the formation of sclerosing membranes. When mechanical occlusion occurs, surgery is the choice therapy in order to remove the obstacle and, if possible, the membranes as well.

Saphenoperitoneal shunts for patients with intractable ascites associated with chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Ascites is a common complication in patients with chronic liver disease. Some patients are resistant to diuretics and need therapeutic paracentesis on a regular basis. This is inconvenient in the long term and also has resource implications. Alternatively, these patients may be treated by peritoneovenous shunts, which require insertion of a foreign body into a central vein and are prone to occlusion. A new technique for peritoneovenous shunting without the use of foreign material is described.

METHODS

Eight patients with chronic liver disease and diuretic-resistant ascites underwent this procedure. During operation, the long saphenous vein was divided at the mid-thigh level and inverted towards the inguinal canal, where it was anastomosed directly to the peritoneum at the internal inguinal ring using non-absorbable suture material.

RESULTS

Seven patients had successful shunt formation; the remaining patient had to have the shunt removed because of ascitic leakage. In those who underwent successful shunt formation, the need for paracentesis and the dose of diuretic was significantly reduced over a median follow-up of 8 months. Hospital stay in the month after discharge was significantly less than that in the month before operation. Three patients died during follow-up from causes unrelated to the operation. One patient underwent successful liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that saphenoperitoneal shunting is potentially a safe and effective therapy for patients with diuretic-resistant ascites. It retains the benefits of peritoneovenous shunting without the adverse effects of insertion of foreign material.

Hepatoatrial anastomosis and tricuspid valve replacement in Budd-Chiari syndrome 8

The rare complication of tricuspid valve stenosis due to displacement of a peritoneovenous shunt catheter developed in a patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome. Surgical management included shunt removal and tricuspid valve replacement combined with hepatoatrial anastomosis. The tricuspid valve was replaced with a bioprosthesis, and liver resection opened the stenotic confluence of the hepatic veins. The right atrium was sutured to the liver capsule, thereby restoring physiologic hepatic venous blood flow.

A novel complication of peritoneovenous shunt: cardiac tamponade

For the last two decades, peritoneovenous shunts (PVS) have commonly been used in the management of refractory ascites. However, these devices are associated with a wide variety of complications. We report a case of cardiac tamponade due to ventricular perforation by a PVS. Given the substantial morbidity associated with PVS, other therapeutic options should be considered before proceeding with PVS placement.

[Determination of the count rate for quality control of combined lung ventilation and perfusion scintigraphy: case report]

We present the case of a 43-year-old male patient who suffered from a massive pulmonary embolism, induced by a peritoneovenous shunt of the Denver type. Calculation of the count rates of the ventilation and perfusion scintigraphy respectively showed a too low ventilation/perfusion ratio. After reinjection of additional 99mTc-MAA the second perfusion study showed further mismatch areals. Count rate ratio determination is essential as a clinical quality control.

Peritoneovenous shunts in patients with intractable ascites: palliation at what price?

Intractable ascites carries great morbidity by affecting appetite, mobility, and quality of life. Peritoneovenous shunts (PVSs) are utilized to abate intractable ascites, although long-term efficacy is unestablished. Thirty male and 18 female cirrhotics, 55 +/- 12 (standard deviation) years of age, failed multiple large-volume paracenteses and diuretic therapy before undergoing PVS. Data were collected until death or the present time. Nine patients (19%) are alive and palliated, four with working shunts [average follow-up (ave. f/u), 30 months] and five without shunts (ave. f/u, 19 months). Thirty-two (67%) patients died: 18 palliated with functional shunts (survival time, 4.4 +/- 5.7 months), 8 unpalliated with dysfunctional shunts (ave. f/u, 3.9 +/- 4.5 months), 4 unpalliated with shunts removed (ave. f/u 5.5 +/- 4.7 months), and 2 with unknown shunt function at death. Function was lost to occlusion in 26 patients, infection in 9, and ligation for disseminated intravascular coagulation in 3. Thirteen patients underwent 18 shunt replacements. At death/present time, 22 (46%) patients were palliated with functioning shunts. Seven patients were lost to follow-up. PVSs provide palliation for intractable ascites short term, but commonly occlude within 1 year. Despite palliation, complications with PVSs are high, and survival is limited.

[Early complications and long-term results of the LeVeen peritoneo-venous shunt in the treatment of refractory ascites]

Results concerning 14 cirrhotic patients who underwent LeVeen peritoneo-venous shunt for refractory or complicated ascites are discussed. The most relevant early complications regard coagulation disorders (35.7%) with a 14.3% postoperative mortality. The functional result appears largely satisfactory, also in terms of long-term efficiency. Utility of a wide evacuation of ascitic fluid during the operation is underlined. Ascites drainage at operation doesn't compromise shunt function or renal resumption, furthermore it may prevent some life-threatening complications like DIC, esophageal varices rupture and congestive heart failure.

[Right ventricular thrombosis and pulmonary thrombosis associated with venous-peritoneal diversion (Le Veen). Diagnosis with transesophageal echocardiography]

Central venous thrombosis (CVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are complications that have been reported in association with the use of venous-peritoneal shunts (Le Veen). CVT usually develops around the proximal end of the catheter; the clinical course is varied and usually requires venous imaging to confirm the diagnosis. We present a case of CVT associated with PE, in which the thrombus was located in the right ventricular cavity (distal to the catheter tip). Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was used for diagnosis and follow-up.

Acquired nevus flammeus

This is the case of a 55-year-old male with cirrhosis who required a LeVeen shunt for relief of refractory ascites. After eight months he developed recurrence of the ascites and a erythematous patch around the surgical scar. Skin biopsy revealed a proliferation of small and medium-sized vessels throughout the dermis. The acquired form of nevus flammeus is rare an is usually preceded by trauma. This is the report of a patient with an acquired nevus flammeus associated to an obstructed peritoneovenous shunt.

Peritoneovenous shunts for palliation of the patient with malignant ascites

METHODS

This study evaluated the effectiveness and morbidity associated with 116 peritoneovenous shunts inserted into 89 patients for symptomatic malignant ascites between 1981 and 1991. All patients had previously failed standard medical therapy of salt and fluid restriction, diuretics, and intermittent peritoneal aspirations.

RESULTS

Symptoms from the ascites included discomfort, impaired mobility, early satiety, and dyspnea. The study population was composed of 31 men and 58 women whose ages ranged from 24 to 81 years (mean 56). Primary tumors originated from the following sites: breast, 17; ovary, 17; pancreas, 13; gastrointestinal or related organs, 21; and other sites, 21. Mean shunt patency was 83 days; however, only 31% of the patients studied maintained a patent shunt and lived for > 2 months. Symptomatic relief was achieved in only 57 patients (62%). Forty-four patients (49%) developed one or more complications related to shunt placement. The deaths of 12 patients (13%) within 30 days of surgery were directly related to a complication of shunt placement. Overall, 30- and 60-day mortality rates were 43% and 61%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the brief and only fair relief of symptoms with a high associated morbidity and mortality, we believe peritoneovenous shunts are of very limited usefulness in the palliation of malignant ascites and suggest that alternate methods should be considered to manage these patients.

[Massive endocardial thrombosis in a patient with a peritoneo-jugular shunt for refractory ascites: the therapeutic success of tissue plasminogen activator and defibrotide]

The authors report a case of a patient with a refractory ascites due to extrahepatic portal thrombosis in course of idiopathic thrombocythemia. A peritoneovenous shunt was applied and as a late complication a massive thrombosis of the intracardiac portion of the duct developed. Thrombolysis was obtained with tissue plasminogen activator at doses usually administered for acute myocardial infarction. Prophylaxis of recurrence was pursued with pictomide and defibrotide.

A peritoneovenous shunt with an access port enables non surgical reversal of intraperitoneal catheter occlusion

Management of chronic peritoneal ascites by transfer of the fluid to the right atrium via peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) is often complicated by occlusion of the peritoneal catheter by one, or a combination, of the following: 1) omental plugging of drain holes, 2) fibrin obstruction of the lumen, and 3) encapsulation of the peritoneal segment by a cocoon. A PVS design that includes an access port facilitates the reversal of fibrin obstruction by urokinase. Eight dogs with implanted PVS were tested weekly for patency (indicated by the flow rate of saline into the peritoneum via the access port) and performance (indicated by the percent transfer of saline from the peritoneum to the vasculature). In 256 test sessions performed to date, 15 catheter occlusions occurred. Nine of these were reversed by one or two flushes with 5,000 units of urokinase via the access port. The remaining six were found to be occluded by cocoons (two), omentum (three), and fibrin (one). Although it is an effective treatment for ascites, the PVS is not in common use, because it has a relatively high occlusion rate. The access port and other features of the authors' PVS are designed to reduce the incidence of PVS occlusion.

Complications associated with the implantation of peritoneo-venous valves and possibilities of prevention

The author describes the complications associated with the implantation of peritoneo-venous valves in the therapy of refractory ascites. They survey the various complications (disorders in the healing of the wound, valve occlusion, ascites induced coagulation disorders) observed during the treatment of 71 patients and give full account of their work performed while observing these complications, their prevention and avoidance. They stress the importance of haematologic examinations and postoperative haemostasis parameters of patients having undergone valve implantation.

[Obstruction of the Le Veen shunt: a new surgical solution]

The authors propose an alternative which has been proved valid in four cases of peritoneovenous shunt with an occluded Le Veen valve for venous thrombosis implanted in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites. After having explored the various possibilities using the vessels adjacent to the superior cava branch, the authors resolved the problem of reimplanting the valve by using an access route through the saphenous vein and inferior vena cava. Using this technique it was possible to reactivate the shunt with a marked improvement in the recurrent ascitic state and above all shunt functionality, and consequently in the clinical conditions and quality of life of these patients.

[Refractory ascites: a fifteen-year experience with the peritoneovenous shunt]

The authors consider the various causes of ascites and they also develop the concept of refractory ascites. They consider the various possibilities of medical and dietary therapy whose failure constitutes the basis for a surgical approach. In the latter case it is being considered the Peritoneo Venous Shunt (PVS) that employs different types of valves. In the light of their personal experience, matured over a period of 15 years, in which 75 valves were positioned in 64 patients and precisely: 55 valves of Le Veen, 15 Hakim and 5 Denver, it is emphasized that the best results, as for as mortality and morbidity goes, were obtained through careful attention in the preoperative stage and during surgery itself with the privileged use of a Le Veen's valve. For such motives, since in a high percentage of these patients there persists a poor prognosis a year away from the onset of refractory ascites, a PVS seems proposable anyway and even though this will not alter the pathological outcome, there's a clear improvement in the quality of life without precluding any other surgical approach. Finally, the authors outline the possibilities offered by the Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS), as a new original approach for the resolution of refractory ascites.

Rupture and migration of the venous segment of LeVeen shunt: an unreported complication

The LeVeen peritoneovenous shunt has been used for nearly 20 yr in the treatment of refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis. However, the technique encompasses a high incidence of serious complications. We report the case of a 59-yr-old man presenting with right pulmonary artery embolization caused by ruptured venous segment of a LeVeen shunt. After localizing it arteriographically, we were able to satisfactorily remove the segment by tying it up with a catheter introduced through the femoral vein.

[Ectopic ascites secondary to the implantation of a LeVeen shunt]

Insertion of a peritoneovenous shunt is an effective method of treatment of refractory ascites although not free of complications. The incidence of them varies between 20-50%, being obstruction, infection and disseminated intravascular coagulation the more frequent. We report a case of a patient that presented with ectopic ascites in cellular subcutaneous tissue one year after the placement of the shunt. This complication was due to an increase of ascites. Treated with paracentesis the ascites decreased and the ectopic ascites resolved.

Subcutaneous tumor growth complicating the positioning of Denver shunt and intrapleural port-à-cath in mesothelioma patients

Patients with malignant ascites and malignant pleural fluid from abdominal or pleural mesothelioma underwent the positioning of Denver type peritoneovenous shunt or intrapleural catheter. They developed tumor growth in the subcutaneous tissue surrounding the devices throughout their courses. Neoplastic seeding is a potential complication of the positioning of shunts and catheters in cavities filled with fluid rich in tumor cells.

Treatment of ascites in cirrhosis. Diuretics, peritoneovenous shunt, and large-volume paracentesis

The medical treatment of ascites in cirrhosis is based on sodium restriction and the administration of diuretics. Because the natriuretic potency of spironolactone is greater than that of loop diuretics (i.e., furosemide) in patients with marked sodium retention, spironolactone is the basic drug for the treatment of ascites. The simultaneous administration of spironolactone and furosemide increases the natriuretic effect of each drug and diminishes their effects on potassium metabolism. Recent studies indicate that large-volume paracentesis associated with intravenous albumin infusion is more effective than diuretic therapy in eliminating the ascitic fluid; is associated with a lower incidence of complications (hepatic encephalopathy, renal impairment, and hyponatremia); and considerably reduces the duration of hospital stay. Therapeutic paracentesis associated with intravenous albumin infusion is therefore the treatment of choice for cirrhotic patients with tense ascites. The mobilization of the ascitic fluid by paracentesis without plasma volume expansion is constantly associated with a deterioration of effective circulating blood volume and may induce renal impairment and severe hyponatremia. Dextran 70 and polygeline appear as effective as albumin in preventing these abnormalities. Cirrhotic patients treated with paracentesis require the administration of diuretics to avoid reaccumulation of ascites. Peritoneovenous shunt, a prosthesis capable to correct most abnormalities involved in the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, is an effective treatment of ascites in cirrhosis. It is especially indicated in patients who do not respond to diuretics and develop repeated episodes of ascites despite adequate treatment. The use of peritoneovenous shunting is limited by the high incidence of complications induced by the procedure, however. In addition, approximately 40% of patients develop an obstruction of the prosthesis within the first postoperative year.

Paracentesis with intravenous infusion of albumin as compared with peritoneovenous shunting in cirrhosis with refractory ascites

BACKGROUND

There is no satisfactory treatment for refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis. Both peritoneovenous shunts and paracentesis have been used, but there is uncertainty about their relative merits.

METHODS

We studied 89 patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites who were randomly assigned to receive either repeated large-volume paracentesis plus intravenous albumin or a LeVeen peritoneovenous shunt. Patients in the paracentesis group in whom recurrent tense ascites developed during follow-up were treated with paracentesis, and those in the peritoneovenous-shunt group with diuretic agents or by the insertion of a new shunt if there was shunt obstruction.

RESULTS

During the first hospitalization, ascites was removed in all 41 patients in the paracentesis group and in 44 of the 48 patients in the peritoneovenous-shunt group. The mean (+/- SD) duration of hospitalization in the two groups was 11 +/- 5 and 19 +/- 9 days, respectively (P less than 0.01). There were no significant differences in the number of patients who had complications or died. During follow-up, 37 patients in each group were hospitalized again. In the paracentesis group, the number of rehospitalizations for any reason (174 vs. 97 in the peritoneovenous-shunt group) or for ascites (125 vs. 38) was significantly higher, and the median time to a first readmission for any reason (1 +/- 1 vs. 2 +/- 2 months) or for ascites (2 +/- 2 vs. 8 +/- 17 months) was significantly shorter than in the peritoneovenous-shunt group. The total times in the hospital during follow-up, however, were similar in the two groups (48 +/- 49 and 44 +/- 39 days, respectively). Three patients had obstructions of their peritoneovenous shunts during their first hospitalizations, and 15 patients had a total of 20 obstructions during follow-up. Survival was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The LeVeen shunt and paracentesis are equally effective in relieving refractory ascites. The former may provide better long-term control of ascites, but shunt occlusion is common and survival is not improved.

[Vaginal perforation as complication of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt: report of a case]

Report of a case with vaginal perforation by the catheter following a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The possible causative factor and results observed are discussed.

Removal of massive right atrial thrombus guided by transesophageal echocardiography

Formation of massive right atrial thrombi around a peritoneovenous shunt is a known complication of these devices. Removal of an obstructive right atrial thrombus requires cardiopulmonary bypass and has been associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Transesophageal echocardiography was used in this case to diagnose and guide the surgical removal of a massive right atrial thrombus.