[Ascites].

Ascites means accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity, usually in patients with cirrhosis. Diagnostic paracentesis (cell count, albumin, cell culture) is a must. Na-restriction remains the cornerstone of treatment (< 3 g NaCl/d). Spironolactone is the drug of choice, in some patients in addition with proximally acting diuretics. Minimum effective dosage is recommented to reduce side-effects. Pronounced ascites can be treated by large-volume paracentesis with concomitant albumin-infusion. Only very few patients suffer from refractory ascites. TIPS is a treatment modality for this group. However, TIPS may precipitate PSE in some patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.