Prospective evaluation of a peritoneal dialysis catheter system for large volume paracentesis

Large volume paracentesis is becoming a popular form of therapy for patients with massive ascites and cirrhosis. Although the physiologic effects of the removal of large amounts of ascitic fluid have been well described, the techniques utilized to perform the procedure are either not well documented or not currently available. Over a 13-month period, 52 patients with moderate to severe ascites have undergone 73 large volume paracenteses with a peritoneal dialysis catheter system. The mean volume of ascitic fluid removed was 7.6 L, with a mean time of removal of 129 min. Total paracentesis was accomplished within 1 h in 38% of procedures. The most common site for paracentesis was the left lower quadrant. Complications related to the procedure were few, the most common being a self-limited ascitic fluid leak at the sight of paracentesis. No patient experienced intestinal perforation, peritonitis, or a significant change in serum creatinine after the procedure. The widely available peritoneal dialysis catheter system represents a safe and rapid technique for the removal of large quantities of ascitic fluid.