The effect of beta-blocker on intractable ascites in cirrhotic patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intractable ascites is one of the serious complications after hepatectomy. Only little is known about their effect on postoperative ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis although beta-blockers have been used for cirrhotic complications including ascites. METHODOLOGY: Here, we report five cases of intractable ascites after hepatectomy, which were treated by propranolol (1 mg/kg/body). RESULTS: In three patients, plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentrations were markedly increased before propranolol administration, but fell to normal levels thereafter. Ascites subsided in all subjects except one, who developed cardiac dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Beta-blockers might be a promising drug for intractable ascites in cirrhotic patients undergoing hepatectomy.