Peritoneovenous shunt in malignant ascites. The Bordet Institute Experience from 1975-1998

Background/Aims: This is the review of our experience in the treatment of m alignant ascites using Le Veen and Denver peritoneovenous shunt. Methodology: 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 appropri ated selection of patients, should decrease failure rate. Patients should b e sent to surgery as soon as the diagnosis of recalcitrant ascites is confi rmed, to obtain a longer and more comfortable quality of life with terminal cancer.