Peritoneovenous ascites shunts, also known as LeVeen shunts or Denver shunts, are surgical devices used to alleviate ascites, a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity, commonly seen in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Ascites can cause significant discomfort, pain, and respiratory difficulty due to increased abdominal pressure, and can also lead to complications such as infection, hernias, and kidney dysfunction. Peritoneovenous ascites shunts are designed to redirect the excess fluid from the peritoneal cavity directly into the venous system, thereby reducing the symptoms associated with ascites.
The shunt consists of a flexible catheter that is placed into the peritoneal cavity and connected to a drainage device outside the body. The shunt is then tunneled under the skin and inserted into a large vein, typically the jugular or subclavian vein, allowing the fluid to be drained and transported back into the systemic circulation. This process facilitates the removal of fluid from the peritoneal cavity, relieving the symptoms of ascites.
Peritoneovenous ascites shunts are typically considered as a last resort when other therapeutic options such as diuretics and paracentesis (draining the fluid through a needle) have failed or are not suitable for the patient. While the shunt can provide effective symptomatic relief, it carries some risks including shunt failure, infection, bleeding, and coagulation disorders. Therefore, careful patient selection and close monitoring are essential in managing the use of peritoneovenous ascites shunts.
