Fluid and electrolyte management of ascites in patients with cirrhosis.

In the patient with cirrhotic ascites, the best treatment is strict medical and nursing management to prevent complications such as renal failure, fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, infection, and encephalopathy. In all but 10% of patients, medical management is successful. In the other 10% of patients, there are various treatment options available. Most of these treatments--LVP, PVS, TIPS, or liver transplantation--are somewhat effective, but none are curative for the patient with cirrhotic ascites.