What is the most common treatment for ascites?

Treat Cause: Treatment of ascites is based on treating the underlying cause which is responsible for the accumulation of fluid. Other initial treatments are medical in nature and include sodium restriction and diuretic therapy. This can be effective in up to 95% of patients. For those who are refractory to medical treatment the ascitic fluid can be removed periodically via a process called paracentesis.

Another option: Another option in patients who don't tolerate medications or in whom they aren't working well, and who need very frequent paracenteses(drainage procedures) is a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, tips for short. It is not without some risk and should be discussed in consultation with your liver doctor and interventional radiologist (image guided surgeon) before you make a decision.