[Therapy in hepatic ascites]

This is a review on the pathogenesis, precipitating causes, analyses, complications, prognosis and therapeutic possibilities of hepatic ascites for practical purposes. Among the possible analyses, granulocyte count, difference between serum albumin and ascitic albumin, cytologic evaluation and bacterial culture in blood-culture media are the most promising. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis often shows no local clinical signs and carries a bad prognosis, unless looked for and treated. The hallmark of treatment of hepatic ascites consists of reduced sodium intake, diuretics and total paracentesis. Peritoneovenous shunt, TIPPS and hepatic transplantation are options in refractory cases.