[Surgical treatment of ascites in cirrhosis of the liver].

A porto-systemic shunt can be created in patients with a stable course of cirrhosis of the liver complicated by varicosity of the esophageal veins and transitory ascites. The formation of a lympho-venous anastomosis is indicated in ascites and impaired lymph drainage from the liver. Interventions minimal in volume (peritoneo-venous shunting, reduction of arterial blood flow, etc.) are indicated in stable or progressive ascites and marked disorders of hepatic function.