Objective To explore the methods and effect of venous retransfusion of ascites on the treatment of the complicated patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.Methods Eighteen complicated and (or) recrudescent patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome were treated by venous retransfusion of ascites between March 2006 and July 2009. The changes in abdominal girth, body weight, the urine volume of 24 h, liver function, renal function, and serum electrolyte measurements before and after treatment were compared. Results After retransfusion of 5 000 ml to 7 800 ml (mean 6 940 ml) ascites, the abdominal girth of patients decreased (Plt;0.05), the urine volume of 24 h tended to normal and during which no serious side-effect happened. The levels of serum BUN, CREA, prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) decreased significantly (Plt;0.05), furthermore the levels of total albumen and albumin increased significantly (Plt;0.05). The changes of serum electrolyte measurements were not significant (Pgt;0.05). The follow-up period for all the patients was in the range of 4 to 37 months (mean 19 months). Then 12 patients were treated by the second operation at 3-6 months after discharge. Conclusions The ascites retransfusion provides a safe and effective treatment option for patients with refractory ascites, and yields a higher likelihood of discharge compared with conventional paracentesis. It is useful in improving quality of life and winning the operational chance for such as patients with complicated Budd-Chiari syndrome.
