Peritoneovenous shunt in malignant ascites. The Bordet Institute experience from 1975-1998.
OBJECTIVE
This is the review of our experience in the treatment of malignant ascites using Le Veen and Denver peritoneovenous shunt.


METHODS
From 1975-1998, 24 peritoneovenous shunts were inserted in 22 patients with malignant ascites.


RESULTS
All patients benefited from the procedure. The principal cause of failure was shunt occlusion (n = 5).


CONCLUSIONS
This study permits us to conclude that a preoperative appropriated selection of patients, should decrease failure rate. Patients should be sent to surgery as soon as the diagnosis of recalcitrant ascites is confirmed, to obtain a longer and more comfortable quality of life with terminal cancer.
Tueche
S G
SG
Gastrointestinal Department Jules Bordet Institute, Tumor Center of the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
Pector
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001201:Ascites / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010536:Peritoneovenous Shunt; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome