[Mechanism of ascites formation and its management in liver cirrhosis]

The "underfilling" and "overflow" theories have been proposed as the pathogenesis of ascites formation in patients with liver cirrhosis. The "peripheral arterial vasodilation hypothesis" has been also proposed recently. Essential treatment of ascites are; restriction of physical activity, sodium restriction, supplement of albumin, and diuretic therapy. Alternative therapy for refractory ascites include peritoneal-venous shunt, ascites ultrafiltration and reinfusion and body oppression therapy. Assessment of liver function, renal function and the systemic hemodynamic state as well as characterization of ascitic fluid are also needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy.