Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters for the Treatment of Refractory Ascites

Peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion in order to drain access fluid within the belly for patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites.

Insertion of a needle into the peritoneal cavity where ascites accumulates, then attaching the needle to a collection system that drains the ascites by gravity. This procedure is part of the standard care for the treatment of refractory ascites.

Patients will be given Human Serum Albumin after the initial drain of ascites fluid: 100cc for 5-10L drainage, 200cc for 10-15L drainage.

Monthly bloodwork will be done as part of usual standard of care.