Indications

• Symptomatic relief of recurrent malignant (and occasionally non-malignant) ascites, typically in a palliative scenario.

Contraindications

• Uncorrectable coagulopathy

• Lack of safe access into fluid pocket

• Ongoing systemic or intra-abdominal infection

Imaging Review

• Review recent imaging to ensure enough ascites is present for catheter placement.

• Recommend fluid search US if necessary

Tips for Workup

• Patient should have anticoagulation reversed, if possible.

• Consent: Infection, hemorrhage, bowel injury, leakage, dislodged catheter, peritonitis