PERITONEOVENOUS SHUNT FOR PALLIATION OF GYNECOLOGIC MALIGNANT ASCITES

BACKGROUND: Ascites is a common sequela of advanced or recurrent gynecologic malignancies, such as carcinoma of the ovary, fallopian tube, or endometrium, Symptomatic treatment with repeated paracentesis is the initial management after failure of chemotherapy, STUDY DESIGN: This study was done to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) in the palliation of these patients with recurrent ascites, A retrospective review of 25 patients having a PVS between 1982 and 1992 was performed, RESULTS: The 25 patients consisted of 21 patients with carcinoma of the ovary, two with primary carcinoma of the peritoneum, one with carcinoma of the endometrium, and one patient with carcinoma of the fallopian tube, The mean weight and abdominal girth decreased after shunt insertion (p<0.001), Gastrointestinal dysfunction and dyspnea also improved with PVS insertion, There was no change in mean Karnofsky score after placement of a PVS, Two patients died within ten days postoperatively, The median survival period was 80 days and shunt occlusion occurred in four patients, CONCLUSIONS: The insertion of a PVS is effective in relieving refractory malignant ascites in gynecologic malignancies, The impact on quality of life requires further study.