Hepatic hydrothorax without diaphragmatic defect. An original surgical treatment.

A 58-year-old woman with a long history of well-compensated postnecrotic cirrhosis with acute massive ascites and right-sided pleural effusion was admitted. The injection of colorant and radioactive material into the peritoneal cavity didn't show up any passage through the diaphragm. After resuscitation therapy and insertion of abdominal and chest tube, effusions rapidly and massively re-accumulated. A LeVeen peritoneovenous shunt was inserted as an emergency measure owing to hepatorenal syndrome. Ascites completely resolved but pleural effosion was continuously and severely recharged. A Denver inverted shunt was subcutaneously inserted from pleural to peritoneal cavity. After operation CPAP was applied and pump device activated; pleural effusion gradually disappeared clearing completely the pleural space. The patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day; her general condition and laboratory test have remained satisfactory up to one year without ascites and pleural effusion.