Ascites is defined as the accumulation of fluid within the abdominal cavity. Ascites is a complication of health problems such as liver cirrhosis, abdominal trauma, cancer of organs within the abdominal cavity, health conditions that cause decreased protein levels in the body, and severe cases of congestive heart failure or heart dysfunction. According to a study released in March 2003 by "The Canadian Journal of Diagnosis," the most common cause of ascites is liver cirrhosis, which comprises up to 75 percent of cases.
Ileus Due to Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
According to the aforementioned study released by "The Canadian Journal of Diagnosis," spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or presence of infection in the fluid that has accumulated in the abdominal cavity, is common and often fatal in patients with liver cirrhosis. One of the most feared complications of peritonitis is the translocation of bacteria into the intact intestinal wall, causing ileus. Ileus is a condition involving a non-mechanical blockage of the small or large intestine. The overall outcome for patients is poor, despite aggressive antibiotic therapy.
Hernia
According to the "NMS Medicine Casebook," published in 2009, hernia -- or the bulging of an abdominal organ -- may sometimes be caused by massive and tense ascites. Hernias most often occur in the intestine, through a weak area of the abdominal wall. Long-term, a hernia may result in entrapment of the intestine through the weak abdominal wall, causing gangrene, which is decay or death of the trapped intestinal tissue. To prevent the development of a hernia from ascites, diuretics may be used to ease the tension within the abdominal cavity. Diuretics cause an increase in urine output, helping with the removal of the excess fluid. Another method to decrease the tension within the abdominal cavity is paracentesis, a minimally invasive procedure that involves removal of fluid within the abdominal cavity.
Compression of the Intestines
Compression of the intestine may happen in patients with tense ascites due to increased intra-abdominal pressure brought about by too much fluid within the abdominal cavity, according to the book "Palliative and End-Life Care: Clinical Practice Guideline." This intestinal compression can lead to the development of severe constipation and abdominal pain. Decompression by using diuretics to remove excess fluid may alleviate the symptoms of this problem.
