Peritoneovenous shunt

A peritoneovenous shunt is a shunt which drains peritoneal fluid from the peritoneum into the internal jugular vein. It is sometimes used in patients with refractory ascites.

It is a long tube with a non-return valve running subcutaneously from the peritoneum to the internal jugular vein in the neck, which allows ascitic fluid to pass directly into the systemic circulation.

Possible complications include:

• Infection
• Superior vena caval thrombosis
• Pulmonary edema
• Bleeding from varices
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation

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