Review Article: The Effect of Performing a Paracentesis on Hospital Outcomes

Decompensated cirrhosis with ascites results in high health care expenditures, 30 day readmission, morbidity, and mortality. Paracentesis is indicated in patients with cirrhosis and ascites to rule out spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and for symptomatic control. Performing at least a diagnostic paracentesis has been proved to reduce inpatient mortality; however, the procedure was also associated with longer length of stay, higher costs during hospitalization and increased risk of 30-day readmission. In summary, diagnostic paracentesis is crucial to rule out infection, but other interventions should be utilized to control ascites, as worse hospital outcomes as likely associated with a large volume paracentesis.