Introduction

Malignant ascites is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity as a consequence of pathologies such as cancer. It is also a trigger factor for a symptom cluster (pain, dyspnea, loss of appetite, nausea, reduced mobility and changes in physical appearance) that becomes a clinical problem that is difficult to deal with. One of the treatments aimed at improving this condition is the therapeutic paracentesis, a medical procedure that uses a drainage technique that sometimes requires repeated practice. It can be a refractory symptom that leads to the requirement of the implantation of a peritoneal catheter as a palliative measure to improve the quality of life of patients and their family.

Materials and Methods

A review of the existing literature was carried out in which an initial search was established obtaining 747 articles, of which 277 were classified as potentially relevant, which were later verified to meet the inclusion criteria. After filtering information and deleting duplicated articles, 8 studies were included in the literature review as they were found to meet all these parameters.

Results

The peritoneal catheter technique is 100% successful without immediate complications, being an optimal palliative measure for patients with refractory ascites as it ensures device durability greater than 30 days. In addition, it is easy to use by professionals, patients and families, which allows outpatient management reducing costs, readmissions for late complications that are potentially preventable and identifiable such as filtration, displacement, infections, occlusion of the device, and hospital complications, which provide immediate comfort and symptom control.

Discussion and Conclusions

Based on the results obtained in this review, the optimal peritoneal catheter is defined is as a palliative measure in the treatment of malignant ascites symptoms triggered in patients with advanced oncological pathologies, allowing an improvement in the quality of life of people.

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