Diuretics may help this type of ascites by reducing venous pressure throughout the body. Furthermore, even in those patients where a trial of diuretics for ascites might be justified in theory, the risk of severe dehydration associated with the use of these drugs in palliative patients is often so high that the use of diuretics may cause more harm than good to the overall well-being of the patient. Therefore, aseptic technique is needed both during the procedure and for dressing care afterwards. Perforation of bowel, other visceral organs, or tumor mass is also a potential complication. Repeated paracenteses may also contribute to fluid volume depletion and protein loss, however, the symptomatic relief gained from this procedure may outweigh the risk of these potential problems.
Ascitic fluid is often very heavy and causes abdominal distention.
Since these problems often occur in patients who are also already weak and cachetic, there is a very high risk of falls, even moving in bed can be very difficult. For all these reasons, assistance with positioning and mobilization is often essential for patients with ascites. Sometimes, however, a significant amount of ascitic fluid may continue to ooze or drip from the puncture site. If this is the case an ostomy collection bag may be appropriate for placement around the puncture site. During paracentesis a sterile evacuation bottle is most commonly used.