Which procedure is used to manage ascites?

Which procedure is used to manage ascites?

• A. Peritoneal dialysis
• B. Paracentesis
• C. Laparoscopy
• D. ERCP

Answer: (B)

Removing excess fluid from the abdominal cavity directly relieves the symptoms of ascites. Paracentesis uses a needle or catheter to drain the ascitic fluid through the abdominal wall, providing rapid symptom relief and allowing the fluid to be analyzed for infection or malignancy. This makes it the primary, practical way to manage ascites, especially when the fluid is causing significant distension or breathing difficulty. Peritoneal dialysis relies on the peritoneum to filter blood in kidney failure and is not used to treat ascites in most cases. Laparoscopy is a visualization and treatment technique for abdominal organs and isn’t employed to drain ascitic fluid routinely. ERCP targets the biliary and pancreatic ducts, not fluid removal in the peritoneal cavity. In some situations with large or recurrent ascites, large-volume paracentesis with albumin may be used, but the direct drainage remains the central concept for immediate management.

Removing excess fluid from the abdominal cavity directly relieves the symptoms of ascites. Paracentesis uses a needle or catheter to drain the ascitic fluid through the abdominal wall, providing rapid symptom relief and allowing the fluid to be analyzed for infection or malignancy. This makes it the primary, practical way to manage ascites, especially when the fluid is causing significant distension or breathing difficulty.

Peritoneal dialysis relies on the peritoneum to filter blood in kidney failure and is not used to treat ascites in most cases. Laparoscopy is a visualization and treatment technique for abdominal organs and isn’t employed to drain ascitic fluid routinely. ERCP targets the biliary and pancreatic ducts, not fluid removal in the peritoneal cavity. In some situations with large or recurrent ascites, large-volume paracentesis with albumin may be used, but the direct drainage remains the central concept for immediate management.