Five measures for the treatment of ascites in advanced ovarian cancer

Ascites is a common complication of ovarian cancer and is a malignant ascites. The presence of ascites indicates that the disease is already in the middle or late stage, and the treatment is mainly to eliminate the ascites and control the progression of the disease.

Most patients with advanced ovarian cancer have varying degrees of ascites. When the amount of ascites is small, the patient only feels bloating, which becomes more obvious after eating. As the disease progresses, the ascites increases. A large amount of ascites raises the diaphragm, affects heart and lung function, and causes symptoms such as palpitations or dyspnea.

What should I do if ascites occurs in the late stage of ovarian cancer?

In order to relieve ascites, in addition to taking diuretics, infusing albumin, draining ascites, and reinfusing ascites, the primary tumor lesion should be actively treated to control the deterioration of the disease. The following measures should be taken:

1. When using diuretics, pay attention to monitoring changes in electrolytes during use to avoid disorders.

2. After abdominal puncture to drain ascites, you should pay attention to supplementing protein in your diet.

3. Limit water and sodium intake, and sodium salt should not exceed 2g per day.

4. Patients with large amounts of ascites should adopt a semi-recumbent position to alleviate breathing difficulties.

5. Prevent infection, keep the skin clean and dry, make the bed flat, and prevent skin ulcers, infection or bedsores.

In addition to taking the necessary measures mentioned above, ascites after ovarian cancer surgery should also be actively treated, supplemented with consolidation treatment after surgery to control the further enlargement of the primary lesion.