Peritoneovenous shunting in the management of malignant ascites.

The incapacitating, malignant ascites of 37 patients were treated with peritoneovenous shunt using the LeVeen valve. Palliation of ascites was achieved in 27 of 37 patients until they died of their underlying diseases. In ten of the 37 patients, no long-term palliation was accomplished. Complications relating to the shunt procedure were noted in six patients. No evidence of abnormal malignant dissemination was noted. We concluded that the peritoneovenous shunt can be used with relative safety to manage progressive malignant ascites.