Office-based Denver peritoneovenous shunt for malignant ascites: A feasibility study

Management of refractory malignant ascites is part of palliative care to improve the patient’s quality of life. In patients with malignant ascites, peritoneovenous shunts can control ascites, but the potential risks of the procedure need to be weighed against the requirement of hospital stay and operatory room utilization. Our experience demonstrates the feasibility of performing peritoneovenous shunt placement on an outpatient basis in selected patients and with use of ultrasound-guided venipuncture. The high success rate confirms that it is an effective palliative procedure for treating intractable malignant ascites.