Background: Paracentesis is associated with decreased mortality in patients with advanced liver disease. The prevalence of paracentesis related complications is not well characterized, but prior studies suggest improved safety outcomes when ultrasound guidance is employed.  The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality utilizes patient safety indicator (PSI) 27 to identify postoperative bleeding complications. Our aim [...]

Background: Patients with refractory ascites often require large volume paracentesis (LVP) on a frequent basis. Most of the studies examining the clinical effects of LVPs, however, have looked only at one-time procedures. In addition, patients with ascites commonly present to the emergency department or require hospital admission for this procedure, leading to high health-care utilization. Our [...]