Ascites

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Ascites with ovarian cancer, CT scan

Digestive system organs

The condition that causes ascites will be treated, if possible.

Treatment may include:

• Diuretics, usually spironolactone (Aldactone) and furosemide (Lasix), which help remove the fluid
• Antibiotics, if an infection develops
• Limiting salt in the diet (no more than 1,500 mg/day of sodium)
• Avoiding drinking alcohol

Procedures used for ascites that do not respond to medical treatment include:

• Placing a tube into the area to drain the ascites
• Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)

• Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (a life-threatening infection of the ascites fluid)
• Hepatorenal syndrome
• Other complications of liver cirrhosis

Anyone who has ascites and develops new abdominal pain and fever should contact their health care provider immediately.

Review Date: 02/21/2009
Reviewed By: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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