Permanent peritoneal ports for the management of recurrent malignant ascites: a retrospective review of safety and efficacy.

Large volume paracentesis is effective in relieving the symptoms of malignant ascites, but frequent procedures are often required. Permanent peritoneal ports are an alternative to repeated procedures. We describe our experience with the use of peritoneal ports in patients at Middlemore Hospital (Auckland, New Zealand) who had a port inserted for the drainage of malignant ascites. Twenty-eight ports were inserted in 26 patients and accessed a total of 257 times with acceptably low rates of complications including cellulitis, peritonitis and wound dehiscence.