Effects of Rapid Paracentesis

Abstract

Eight paracenteses were performed on patients with ovarian carcinomatosis, with the rapid removal of 2,400 to 11,000 ml of ascitic fluid. There were no important changes in central venous pressure, blood pressure, pulse rate, hematocrit value, or serum electrolytes during the procedures or the ensuing 48 hours. Serum protein concentration fell to approximately two thirds of the base line level in each patient.