[Correlation between long survival and shunt patency in patients treated surgically for refractory ascites]

The survival data of 31 patients operated on for refractory ascites in the 7-year-long period between 1983 and 1989 have been analysed in relation to the patency of the shunt. In the follow-up examination of the 7 patients who had survived 3 years flow-through contrast material was used and the patency of the shunt was documented by percutaneous injection of the contrast material under X-ray. The authors search for explanation in cases where the shunt was non-conducting (blocked) in ascites-free patients. No considerable difference was found between the two long survival assuring types of the shunt (LeVeen and Denver). 55% out of the 31 patients operated on had survived 2 years and almost 30% had survived 3 years.