[Peritoneovenous shunt in ascites therapy. Complications and their treatment]

Complications occurred in 29 of 37 patients after ascites retransfusion (n = 16) or introduction of a peritoneovenous shunt (n = 21). Blood clotting disturbances, that could either be successfully treated with drugs or which led to interruption of the reinfusion, appeared in 38%. Estimation of plasminogen proved to be of reliable prognostic value thus enabling prophylactic measures to be taken. Post-operatively 14 patients had transient fever not requiring specific treatment. Local fibrinolysis or shunt revision was successful in three patients with shunt thromboses. According to our experience most complications can be avoided by prophylactic and therapeutic measures.