Paracentesis in ovarian cancer: a study of the physiology during free drainage of ascites.

Decruze, Shandya Bridget; Macdonald, Robert; Smith, Gillian; Herod, Jonathan J · J Palliat Med · 2010

other · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Ascites is frequently seen in patients suffering with ovarian cancer. Paracentesis is a well-established method to provide symptomatic relief. Systemic adverse effects have occurred in paracentesis for ascites arising from other conditions. However, malignancy-related ascites has a different pathophysiology than nonmalignant ascites and as such the concerns related to the latter condition may not apply in patients with ovarian cancer. This study has shown that paracentesis is both effective and safe as an outpatient procedure for managing malignancy-related ascites.

Medical subject headings