The peritoneum is thin tissue (membrane) that lines the inside of your abdominal (belly) cavity. Some of your abdominal organs are found inside this membrane, such as your stomach, intestines, appendix, liver, and spleen. The space inside this membrane is called “intraperitoneal.” Ascites is the buildup of extra fluid in this space.
Ascites can cause:
Ascites is often caused by cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver. It can also be caused by cancer, often in late-stage or recurrent (keeps coming back) cancers. Paracentesis is a procedure that uses a needle to drain this fluid. In many cases, the fluid comes back quickly after it is drained. When the fluid needs to be drained often, a drain may be placed.
An intraperitoneal drain (IP drain) is a thin tube placed into the abdomen (belly). It is used to remove fluid from the intraperitoneal space. There are two kinds of IP drains:
In both kinds of IP drains, the fluid is drained into a container by either you, a caregiver, or a nurse. This can be done at home and there is no need to go to your provider’s office.
You and your caretaker will be given instructions about how to take care of your drain and how often to drain the fluid. IP drains are used to help with the symptoms of ascites and to help you be more comfortable. It does not treat the cause of the ascites.
Your provider will go over how to prepare for a drain placement, including which medications to stop taking and when.
IP drains are often placed in the Interventional Radiology (IR) department by a doctor called an Interventional Radiologist. They may also be placed in the operating room (OR). Most times this is done as an outpatient procedure and you can go home after. Your provider will go over your procedure and what will happen, but in general:
After you have had your drain placed and are cleared to go home, your care team will go over any changes you'll need to make in your activity level. They will also talk to you about how to care for your drain, supplies needed to drain your ascites, and how often/how much you should drain.
An intraperitoneal drain can be very helpful if you have ascites that keeps building up. Call your provider with any questions or concerns you may have about this procedure.
OncoLink is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem or have questions or concerns about the medication that you have been prescribed, you should consult your health care provider.
Information Provided By: www.oncolink.org | © 2025 Trustees of The University of Pennsylvania