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This leaflet contains information about ascitic drains, what you need to do before the procedure, what the procedure will involve and what will happen after.
Your referring Doctor or Specialist Nurse has advised you to have an ultrasound guided ascitic drain. The most common reason for having an ascitic drain is to relieve abdominal (tummy) swelling and discomfort caused by extra fluid in your abdominal cavity. This fluid is called ascites.
If not drained, ascites can cause pain, discomfort, sleepless nights, swollen legs, loss of appetite and difficulty with breathing.