Management of malignant ascites with the central venous catheter: a case report

ABSTRACT

<b>Purpose</b> Paracentesis is one of the most effective techniques to manage malignant ascites in cancer patients. Some patients require frequent repeated drainage because of a rapid reaccumulation of ascites. The indwelling catheter technique is proposed to avoid the procedure risks and complications. <b>Case report</b> We report a case of 73-year-old male diagnosed pancreatic cancer. The central venous catheter was used for management of his malignant ascites. One liter of ascetic fluid was removed every day for 21 days until death. To prevent a clogging of the catheter, multiple side-holes were opened to the catheter in advance of the paracentesis, and medical cyanoacrylate adhesive (Aron Alpha®) was applied around the indwelling catheter to avoid the leakage of ascites. <b>Conclusion</b> We propose the use of the central venous catheter for the drainage of ascites, because the technique is less invasive and inexpensive, and also can reduce such complications as a clogging of the catheter and fluid leakage.