An Experience of Peritoneo-subclavian Shunt for Intractable Ascites after Operation for Gastric Carcinoma with Liver Cirrhosis

Yasuhiro Yunoki, Hitoshi Takeuchi, Yu Ohshima, Yoshimasa Yasui, Kohji Tanakaya, Eiji Konaga

Department of Surgery, Iwakuni National Hospital

A shunt was placed between the peritoneal cavity and the subclavian vein with a Denver^® Ascites Shunt System (Percutaneous Access Kit), for the surgical management of ascites in a patient who underwent gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma complicated by liver cirrhosis. The operation was successful to decrease the level of ascites, and the patient was discharged ambulatory on the 25th postoperative day. This operative technique is superior to the usual peritoneo-jugular shunt in two respects. First, the catheter is designed to run straight in order to prevent obstruction. Secondly, percutaneous placement of the catheter is easier and quicker than a surgical cutdown technique.

Key words
liver cirrhosis, peritoneo-subclavian shunt, intractable ascites

Reprint requests
Yasuhiro Yunoki Department of Surgery, National Iwakuni Hospital
2-5-1 Kuroiso, Iwakuni, 740-0041 JAPAN

Accepted
April 22, 1998

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