Ascites Removal

Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. It is a symptom of liver failure, cirrhosis, heart failure, cancer, various infections and/or kidney failure. In addition to fluid accumulation, ascites is characterized by rapid weight gain, abdominal distension, shortness of breath and ankle swelling. As with many other conditions that cause excess fluid buildup, expulsion of the fluid is by diuretic consumption and sometimes via needle aspiration. Further, as ascites is a symptom of a pre-disposing condition, steps must be taken to prevent fluid from re-accumulating after it has been drained.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor

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Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment with a physician as soon as possible if you suspect you may have ascites. If you notice rapid weight gain in the amount of 2 to 3 lbs. per day for three consecutive days, you may have ascites. Document if you have been experiencing shortness of breath, feelings of bloatedness, pain in the stomach or feelings of fullness after eating smaller portions of food.

• 2

  Prepare to undergo a series of physical tests. If your doctor has not already discussed a pre-disposing condition with you such as liver disease, heart or kidney failure, your doctor will want to find out the cause for the weight gain and fluid accumulation. If ascites is suspected after a physical examination, an ultrasound or computerized topographic scan of the abdomen will be done to confirm the diagnosis.

• 3

  Submit to a paracentesis test if a pre-disposing condition is not readily identified. Paracentesis involves the extraction of less than 10 mL of the fluid through a needle. Extracted fluid is then examined for cause, infection and possible signs of cancer. When the pre-disposing condition is restrained, the ascites is more controllable.

• 4

  Follow doctor's orders. You may be prescribed diuretics such as spironolactone or furosemide. Diuretics, also known as water pills, force the excretion of sodium from the urine and water from the bloodstream by the kidneys. Diuretics alone cannot work without paying careful attention to sodium intake. Your doctor may advise a strict daily sodium intake of 1,500 to 2,000 mg.

• 5

  Weigh yourself daily and document any weight changes. Attend your follow-up appointment with your doctor. If diurectics and salt intake restriction does not sufficiently remove the ascites, you may have to undergo therapeutic paracentesis to remove the excess fluid by needle. Patients with liver failure may have to undergo the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt to lower venous pressure leading to ascites. A complete liver transplant is a third treatment option.

• 6

  Prevent ascites re-accumulation by following your doctor's discharge orders. This may require ongoing salt intake restriction, alcohol intake restriction, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug restriction and following an ongoing diuretic intake regimen.