Home-based drainage of refractory ascites by a permanent-tunneled peritoneal catheter can safely replace large-volume paracentesis

Abstract

The tunneled peritoneal drainage catheter placement is a viable and effective treatment alternative in patients with refractory ascites because of end-stage liver disease, reducing diuretic intake and the need for paracentesis. The procedure avoids hyponatremia, worsening kidney function, and albumin infusions without an increased risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.