Improved quality of life for malignant ascites patients by Denver peritoneovenous shunts

Background: Intractable ascites secondary to malignant disease deteriorates the patients' quality of life. Patients and Methods: Thirty-three patients, who had undergone Denver peritoneovenous shunt for the treatment of ascites associated with malignant tumor from May 1998 to February 2004, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Post-operative complications had occurred in twelve patients, including disseminated intravascular coagulation in eight, pulmonary edema in three and wound hematoma in one. The patients' post-operative mean survival was 54.5 days with occlusion occurring in four (12.1%). Comparison of pre- and post-operative values showed a significant decrease of body weight and abdominal girth. Thirteen patients needed no post-operative therapy for ascites, whereas 17 patients could tentatively remain at home or be discharged. Conclusion: The Denver shunt for malignant ascites is useful in improving quality of life, if indications are selected properly. Further experience and discussion are necessary to establish the patient selection criteria.