Ascites (fluid in the abdomen)

Easily explained!

Short and simple

The most common causes of ascites

Cancer
Liver cirrhosis
Heart failure

Symptoms of ascites

Swelling in the abdomen
Abdominal pain
Nausea/vomiting, poor appetite
Bloating
Shortness of breath

Synonyms for ascites

Fluid in the abdomen /abdominal fluid
Fluid in the stomach
Belly fluid

How to treat recurrent ascites

One-time drainage (paracentesis / laparocentesis)
Indwelling ascites catheter

Peritoneum (abdominal wall)

The peritoneum is a thin membrane in the abdomen, which is divided into two membranes, also known as layers. The parietal peritoneum is the name of the outer layer that covers the inside of the abdominal wall. The inner layer is called the visceral peritoneum and wraps around the internal organs located inside the intraperitoneal space.

The peritoneum has two main functions. Firstly, it protects the organs in the abdominal cavity. Secondly, it produces a lubricating fluid that allows the organs to move better.

Illustration av magen med peritoneum

What is ascites?

Ascites (abdominal fluid) is when fluid builds up in the abdominal cavity. As a result, the stomach visibly increases in size and you may experience symptoms such as a feeling of pressure in the stomach, pain, nausea, poor appetite, vomiting and shortness of breath.

Why does ascites occur?

Ascites can occur for a variety of reasons. Cancer, heart failure or inflammation of the intestine are examples of diseases that can cause ascites. Late-stage liver cirrhosis also causes an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity as a typical symptom.

Illustration av peritoneum med ascites

“

The biggest benefit is not having to go to the hospital several times a week. It takes a lot of time and you have to lie there sometimes for a day in addition to be driven back and forth between the ward and the X-ray. Even symptom relief: Now I can not only drain myself, I can even decide freely when I want to drain based on symptoms I am feeling. This way I avoid the bloated feeling and the breathing feels easier.

– Patient from Uppsala, ascites (heart failure) –

How do you treat ascites?

In addition to treating the disease that causes ascites, depending on what is causing the fluid, the following therapies can be used to treat recurrent ascites.

One-time drainage (paracentesis/laparocentesis).

A one-time drainage is a procedure that is often performed in an outpatient clinic. If you need to remove a lot of fluid, you may also have to be admitted to a hospital. In a paracentesis, the fluid is removed with a syringe through a cannula.

Indwelling ascites catheter

At ewimed, we recommend immediate implantation of an indwelling ascites catheter in cases of recurrent ascites.

One advantage of an indwelling catheter is that the patient does not have to go to the hospital repeatedly for the doctor to puncture and reinsert a catheter. The patient has more time at his or her disposal, as the fluid can be drained at home without the need for a doctor to be present. Thus, the patient’s mobility and quality of life increases.

Other benefits of an indwelling catheter include fewer hospital stays and a low risk of infection or complications (as supported by scientific studies).

More information about the catheter

Brief overview of the benefits of our indwelling catheters

enables independent, fast and patient-safe drainage at home.
no further hospitalisation due to the fluid
simple and easy to use

no repeated, painful procedures
a single minimally invasive procedure to implant the catheter
highest patient safety thanks to the unique connection to the drainage set

increased mobility and independence for you as a patient
reduced risk of infection

More about our drainage setsewimed service