A comparison of paracentesis and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting in patients with ascites
Article Abstract:
A portosystemic shunt appears to be more effective in treating ascites than paracentesis. Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen that is usually caused by liver disease. Paracentesis and a portosystemic shunt are two treatments for removing the excess fluid. In a study of 60 patients with ascites who were randomly assigned to receive one or the other treatment, those who received the shunt were more likely to survive for several years without a liver transplant. Three months after treatment, 82% of those treated with paracentesis still had ascites compared to 39% of those treated with a shunt.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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The role of transjugular portosystemic shunting in patients with ascites
Article Abstract:
A portosystemic shunt should be the treatment of choice for ascites that does not respond to diuretics or paracentesis. Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen that is usually caused by liver cirrhosis. A portosystemic shunt connects the portal circulation inside the liver with the blood circulation in the rest of the body. A study published in 2000 showed that this technique was more effective than paracentesis. However, it may not be suitable for patients with severe liver cirrhosis or those with kidney disease. These patients should be offered a liver transplant.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt procedure for refractory ascites
Article Abstract:
A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt may be an effective treatment for severe ascites that does not respond to other treatments. Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity caused by increased pressure in the portal vein of the liver. Researchers used the procedure on 46 patients with severe ascites and 4 with moderate ascites. During the procedure a catheter is threaded through the jugular vein, down the vena cava and into a liver vein. The liver vein and the portal vein are punctured and a shunt is placed between them. Forty-six patients responded to the treatment. The procedure reduced the pressure in the portal vein by an average of 63% in the group. Surgical complications occurred in 16 patients, including internal abdominal bleeding, heart arrhythmias and vomiting. Three months after treatment, 28 of the 36 patients still alive had no ascites, three had mild ascites and five had moderate ascites.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
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