Ascites
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid within the abdominal cavity. There are many malignant and non-malignant causes, but the symptoms are generally the same with progressive abdominal swelling with shifting dullness on examination. There may be secondary symptoms of breathlessness, nausea, vomiting and constipation.
Causes
Section titled “Causes”- Liver disease
- Peritoneal metastases
- Ovarian malignancy
- Hypoalbuminaemia
- Heart failure
- Venous compression or thrombosis of inferior vena cava
Non-drug treatment
Section titled “Non-drug treatment”- In mild cases explanation and reassurance may be all that is required
- Mainstay is drainage of the fluid by abdominal paracentesis
- Indwelling drainage systems may be considered in recurrent cases
Drug treatments
Section titled “Drug treatments”- Diuretics - may be appropriate in liver or heart disease
- Chemotherapy for malignant causes may be considered
- Analgesia
- Antiemetics
- Laxatives
- Corticosteroids may have a role in compressive causes