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Ascites with ovarian cancer, CT scan
Ascites with ovarian cancer, CT scan

Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

Ascites

Definition:

Ascites is excess fluid in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity).



Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Ascites is typically caused by liver disease . Disorders that may be associated with ascites include:



Symptoms:



Signs and tests:



Treatment:

Treatment may include medicines called diuretics, which help remove the fluid, and antibiotics, if infection develops.



Support Groups:



Expectations (prognosis):



Complications:



Calling your health care provider:

Anyone who has ascites and develops new abdominal pain and fever should contact their health care provider immediately.



Prevention:



Review Date: 10/26/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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