[Irreducible ascites in cirrhotic patients. Results of peritoneo-jugular shunt in 16 patients (author's transl)].

Peritoneo-jugular shunt with Le Veen's valve was performed in 16 cirrhotic patients with intractable ascites. The immediate effects were remarkable, with only one early death. In the long term, however, the results progressively deteriorated. Relapses occurred frequently (60%) and sometimes repeatedly, and were due to obstruction of the shunt, which had to be replaced, or in some cases to insufficient flow rate. Numerous complications were observed including, in particular, infections and digestive haemorrhages. Consumption coagulopathy was detected by laboratory tests in 5 cases, but did not produce bleeding. After 8 to 25 months, 31% of the patients are still alive.