CA
A 36-year-old member asked:
what sort of problem is ascites?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctor answered
A US doctor answered Learn more
Ascite: Is retention of fluid on the abdominal cavity. The liver is not able to maintain the flow of blood toward the heart. The liver becomes cirrhotic (scars down). This could be due to alcohol, hepatitis b or c, cancers.
6040 views
Dr. Frederick Shieh answered
Specializes in Gastroenterology
Fluid : Ascites is fluid buildup in the abdomen. Although most commonly found in patients with liver failure or cirrhosis, it can also be caused by certain cancers and heart failure.
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Similar questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
What is the most common treatment for ascites?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Zadeh answered
General Surgery 17 years experience
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.
6144 views
A 45-year-old member asked:
Do doctors see a lot of patients with ascites?
1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Liawaty Ho answered
Hematology and Oncology 23 years experience
Certain doctors do: Yes. Certain doctors such as internists, gastroenterologists/hepatologist, nephrologist do see a lot of patients with ascites. Oncologists see patient with ascites quite a lot - although less frequently compared the above doctors.
6024 views
A 42-year-old member asked:
What is ascites? Can it be sucked out?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Steven Ginsberg answered
Hematology and Oncology 37 years experience
Yes: Ascites is fluid in the abdominal cavity. There are many causes of ascites. Yes, it can be removed by a procedure called paracentesis. It is a fairly simple procedure done in a doctor's office. However, this is not a treatment for ascites. Paracentesis is used to help diagnose the cause of ascites, or to relieve the pressure from a buildup of a large amount of fluid.
5862 views
A 37-year-old member asked:
What are ascites?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Lee Pederson answered
General Surgery 27 years experience
Fluid: Usually means too much fluid has built up within the abdominal cavity.
5716 views
Smyrna, TN
A 58-year-old male asked:
Does the presence of ascites in cirrhosis always indicate the patient is in a decompensated state?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Donald Alves answered
Emergency Medicine 24 years experience
Not exactly: It indicates the severity of disease process, but can be created at variable rate (/volume) depending on compliance w/meds and diet (salt excess a big one). True decompensation usually w/ascites and jaundice (yellow appearance to skin / sclera).
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Last updated Jul 15, 2018
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