Long-term semi-permanent catheter use for the palliation of malignant ascites.
BACKGROUND
Malignant ascites is a common complication of advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer and multiple other neoplasms, causing significant patient morbidity as well as a large treatment obstacle for the physician. While multiple methods of peritoneal drainage have been reported, including large volume therapeutic paracentesis, peritoneogastric, peritoneourinary, and peritoneovenous shunting procedures, peritoneal port-a-catheter placement and hemodialysis catheter drainage, all have their associated limitations and adverse effects.


METHODS
We report off label semi-permanent catheter placement in a patient for treatment of malignant ascites that functioned effectively with drainage of 2 l daily for approximately 18 months, the longest reported use in the literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term semi-permanent catheter use is a potentially valuable modality for the palliation of malignant ascites.
Brooks
Rebecca A
RA
Washington University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 660 S. Euclid, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. brooksr@msnotes.wustl.edu
Herzog
Thomas J
TJ
D001201:Ascites / Q000628:therapy*; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018284:Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D004322:Drainage / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*