Ascites

This article reviews the progress made during the last century in understanding and managing ascites. The list of known causes of ascites has lengthened considerably. There is improved understanding of the mechanism of ascites formation and the pathophysiology of the renal sodium retention that accompanies portal hypertensive ascites. Management of ascites has become substantially easier with the advent of new diuretics, and new procedures such as peritoneovenous shunting, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent placement, and liver transplantation.