A clinical view of recent advances in ascites

We discuss current perspectives in ascites, focusing on newer developments of interest to clinicians and stressing the value and limitations of therapeutic paracentesis. Because there is considerable evidence to support both the "underfilled" and "overflow" hypotheses for the development of ascites, current concepts concentrate on integration of these two theories. In the management of ascites the rate of ascites mobilization is more important than the method by which excess peritoneal fluid is removed; thus salt restriction may not have to be rigid if diuretics are used judiciously. An approach to intractable ascites emphasizes the difference between unresponsive and refractory ascites, but in both situations a conservative philosophy is recommended. Nonhepatic causes of ascites are briefly reviewed since their management may require principles different from those used in cirrhosis.