The development of clinical guidelines on paracentesis for ascites related to malignancy

Malignancy-related ascites gives rise to troublesome symptoms and carries a poor prognosis. Abdominal paracentesis is a widely used and effective procedure for symptom relief, but practice with regard to the procedure itself may vary considerably. Evidence obtained in the context of liver disease probably influences practice in malignancy, although the pathophysiology involved is different. Anecdotal evidence suggested a difference in practice …