Paracentesis in Adults With Cirrhosis

Portal hypertension secondary to end-stage chronic liver disease (CLD), also known as cirrhosis, is the most common cause of ascites in the United States. In 2023, CLD and cirrhosis accounted for more than 52,000 deaths and was the ninth leading cause of death that year. Ascites is a sign of decompensated cirrhosis which is managed with diet modification, pharmacologic therapy, and paracentesis. Performed for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes, paracentesis can provide symptomatic relief for patients and help the health-care team monitor and manage infections. While the paracentesis is a simple procedure, care must be taken to prevent and monitor for procedural complications, including postparacentesis circulatory dysfunction (PPCD) and hemorrhage.