title: The experiences of patients with ascites secondary to cancer: a qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ascites secondary to cancer has a dramatic effect on all aspects of patients' lives. Healthcare professional surveys have shown that there is considerable variation in the management of ascites.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore patients' experiences of living with ascites and its management.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative research study using digitally recorded semi-structured interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve adult patients with ascites who, between them, had undergone 47 paracentesis procedures in hospitals and/or specialist palliative care units in Southern England.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Symptoms were pain, discomfort and effects on appetite, digestion, breathing and mobility. All participants had experienced paracentesis in hospital or a specialist palliative care unit, and these experiences differed. They had views on what constituted a good procedure: setting, competence and pain control. They reported rapid improvement of symptoms after paracentesis. While some did not like the idea of a semi-permanent drain, those with them appreciated the convenience and not having to wait for repeated admissions or the recurrence of symptoms. The interval between ascitic taps was seen as a useful guide as to when a semi-permanent drain should be offered. Participants had mixed views on participation in a hypothetical randomised controlled trial of repeated ascitic taps versus semi-permanent drains.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients' experiences of ascites management are variable and could be improved. These experiences can inform healthcare professionals. They have views on when semi-permanent drains should be offered and future research.
authors.affiliation: Research Department, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, Cheltenham, UK.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Day
authors.forename: Theresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keen
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Perkins
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001201:Ascites / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D019152:Paracentesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D010346:Patient Care Management; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Ascites; neoplasm; paracentesis; patient care management; qualitative research