Nine
peritoneovenous shunts were positioned by percutaneous technique in seven patients with advanced
malignancy causing severe refractory
ascites, and in two patients with
hepatic cirrhosis (one with hepatocarcinoma). In all patients the shunts were percutaneously placed through the subclavian vein in the angiographic suite under digital fluoroscopic guide. No complications directly related to the procedure occurred. The shunt was successfully positioned in all patients in 60 min average time. No patient showed symptoms related to pulmonary overload or to
disseminated intravascular coagulation. All patients had a significant improvement of the objective symptoms related to
ascites such as respiratory symptoms,
dyspepsia, and functional impairment to evacuation describing an improvement of their quality of life. Maximum shunt patency was 273 days. Percutaneous placement of
peritoneovenous shunt is a safe, fast, and inexpensive procedure, extremely useful in resolution of refractory
ascites, reducing symptoms, and allowing effective palliation, with a great improvement in quality of life.