Palliative Paracentesis in the Home Setting: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Interventional Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Managing ascites symptoms in home hospice and palliative care is challenging.
• Standard ultrasound-guided paracentesis often requires hospital visits, limiting access for homebound patients.
• Interventional radiology (IR) services are typically not feasible in home settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a mobile, in-home palliative paracentesis (HBPP) service.
• To provide an accessible interventional option for patients with distressing ascites symptoms.
• To assess the feasibility and outcomes of delivering palliative paracentesis at home.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 30 patients undergoing HBPP at their residences.
• Portable bedside ultrasound used for ascites confirmation.
• Data collected on patient referrals, procedure completion, and symptom relief.

Main Results:

• 30 out of 33 referred patients (91%) received HBPP for symptomatic abdominal distention.
• All 30 patients reported significant symptom relief post-procedure.
• No post-procedural complications were reported, indicating a safe intervention.

Conclusions:

• Home-based palliative paracentesis (HBPP) is a safe and effective intervention.
• HBPP provides a convenient option for hospice and palliative care patients experiencing symptomatic ascites.
• This service improves access to essential palliative procedures for homebound individuals.