Objective To assess the therapeutic efficacy of central venous catheter placement via abdominal puncture in the treatment of refractory ascites. Methods Thirty- six patients with refractory ascites due to cirrhosis who were unresponsive to albumin supplement and diuretic treatment and admitted to our hospital from July 2010 to March 2011 were included in this study. Intraperitoneal catheter drainage was performed in these patients, in which generally not more than 800 ml of ascites was drained in the first session and subsequently 1500- 2000ml of ascites was drained daily; in addition, human albumin ( 10 g / d) was infused, and spironolactone ( 400 mg / d) and furosemide ( 160mg / d) were orally given. Results Reduction in ascites volume, ultrasound examination results, urine volume, and time of stable condition were monitored after 12 days of treatment. Abdominal distension was relieved in all patients after 3 days of treatment. After 12 days of treatment, 17 cases ( 47. 2%) showed a complete response, 15 cases ( 41. 7%) showed a partial response, and 4 cases ( 11. 1%) showed no response, with a response rate of 88. 9%. Conclusion The placement of a central venous catheter in the abdominal cavity reduces the number of punctures and lowers the incidence of hepatorenal syndrome. The central venous catheter offers a convenient, safe, and easy- to- use tool for sustained peritoneal drainage in the treatment of intractable ascites.
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