Paracentesis in the management of ascites

Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Men have little or no peritoneal fluid, but women may have up to 20 ml depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Ascites is a relatively common clinical finding with a range of malignant and non-malignant causes (Table 1). About 85% of ascites is caused by liver disease (Runyon, 2004), and cancer accounts for about 10% of cases (Smith and Jayson, 2003; Becker et al, 2006).