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Published on: October 14, 2022
The peritoneo-saphenous shunt for palliation of refractory ascites
R S Blaylock1, D Emby, M Hopley
1Gold Fields Health Services, Western Deep Levels Hospitals, Carletonville.
Objective:
To describe a safe surgical technique for the management of refractory ascites.
Patients And Method:
Two preterminal patients with respiratory compromise caused by refractory ascites had the long saphenous vein transected at mid-thigh and anastomosed to the peritoneum in the region of the internal inguinal ring. This allowed direct drainage of the ascitic fluid into the vascular system (peritoneosaphenous shunt).
Results:
The procedure was performed successfully on two patients. The first patient, with cirrhosis, was leading a normal lifestyle without diuretic use at 7 1/2 months' follow-up. The second patient, with cirrhosis and multifocal hepatoma, was fit enough for discharge without medication.
Conclusion:
The peritoneo-saphenous shunt deserves further evaluation as a novel and safe surgical technique for the management of refractory ascites.
