Ascites treatment cost in India

Ascites is a concerning condition, and understanding its causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention is crucial for your well-being.

Summary: 30 Second Read

Introduction:

• Ascites is the buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
• Causes discomfort and health complications.

Risk Factors:

• Associated with liver disease, heart failure, kidney disease, cancer, and infections.

Causes:

• Increased blood vessel pressure, low protein levels, sodium retention, and inflammation.

Symptoms:

• Abdominal swelling.
• Unexplained weight gain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Indigestion and reduced appetite.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Ankle and leg swelling.
• Changes in urination.

Diagnosis:

• Physical examination.
• Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI.
• Paracentesis for fluid analysis.

Treatment:

• Medical management with diuretics and low-sodium diets.
• Paracentesis to drain excess fluid.
• Surgery, such as TIPS, or Portocaval shunt or Liver Transplantation for severe cases.
• Get quality treatment at affordable cost at Dwarika hospital, Ahmedabad, India

Prevention:

• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Vaccination against hepatitis.
• Manage chronic conditions.

Home Care:

• Follow medical recommendations.
• Monitor weight.
• Elevate legs to reduce abdominal fluid buildup.

When to Seek Medical Advice:

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Worsening abdominal swelling.
• Fever or signs of infection.

Ascites treatment cost in India

• Affordable cost of treatment
• Quality care of treatment

Conclusion:

• Ascites requires prompt diagnosis and management.
• Understanding risk factors, causes, and treatment is crucial.
• Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

Introduction

Ascites is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. This buildup of fluid can cause abdominal swelling and discomfort, leading to various health complications. Ascites treatment cost in India is affordable at Dwarika Hospital, Ahmedabad, India. Ascites is a concerning condition, and understanding its causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention is crucial for your well-being.

Risk Factors

Ascites is commonly associated with certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of its occurrence. Some of the main risk factors include:

1. Liver Disease: Liver cirrhosis is the leading cause of ascites. Chronic liver diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, can all contribute to the development of ascites.
2. Heart Failure: Congestive heart failure can lead to fluid retention in the abdominal cavity, resulting in ascites.
3. Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can disrupt the body’s fluid balance, leading to fluid accumulation in various body parts, including the abdomen.
4. Cancer: Advanced-stage cancers, particularly those affecting the liver, pancreas, or ovaries, can cause ascites.
5. Infections: Certain infections, such as tuberculosis and peritoneal infections, can trigger ascites.

Causes

Ascites is a complex condition with various underlying causes.
The primary reasons for its development include:

1. Increased Pressure in Blood Vessels: In liver cirrhosis, the increased pressure in the portal vein can force fluid into the abdominal cavity.
2. Decreased Protein Levels: Low levels of protein in the blood can lead to fluid leakage from blood vessels into the abdominal space.
3. Sodium Retention: Excessive sodium (salt) retention by the kidneys can contribute to fluid buildup.
4. Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, or peritoneum can cause ascites.

According to study for reputed centre of south India, the common causes of ascites in India are tuberculosis (TB), cirrhosis, Budd- Chiari syndrome, pancreatitis, hy- poalbuminemia, and cardiac failure.

Symptoms of Ascites

Abdominal Swelling

The most noticeable and characteristic symptom of ascites is the gradual or sudden swelling of the abdomen. The build-up of fluid causes the abdominal area to expand, often leading to a visibly distended belly. In some cases, the swelling can become so pronounced that it might resemble a “water balloon” appearance. This swelling can cause discomfort and make it challenging for the affected individual to perform everyday tasks comfortably.

Weight Gain

Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity can lead to unexplained weight gain. The excess fluid can contribute significantly to an increase in body weight, leading to a sudden change on the scale without any apparent cause.

Difficulty Breathing

As the volume of fluid in the abdominal cavity increases, it can exert pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, causing respiratory issues. Individuals with ascites may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially when lying down. This symptom should not be ignored, as it may indicate a severe case of ascites that requires immediate medical attention.

Frequent Indigestion and Reduced Appetite

Ascites can place pressure on the stomach and intestines, causing feelings of fullness, even after consuming small amounts of food. This pressure can lead to frequent indigestion, loss of appetite, and discomfort after meals.

Fatigue and Weakness

The presence of ascites can lead to a decrease in overall energy levels, leaving the individual feeling fatigued and weak. The body’s impaired ability to absorb nutrients and eliminate waste products can contribute to this feeling of exhaustion.

Ankle and Leg Swelling

In advanced cases of ascites, the excess fluid may not only accumulate in the abdominal cavity but can also spread to the lower extremities. This can result in swollen ankles and legs, making mobility and daily activities more challenging.

Changes in Urination

The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the body’s fluid balance. When ascites occurs due to conditions affecting kidney function, there may be changes in urination patterns. This can include reduced urine output, dark-colored urine, or frequent urination during the night.

Diagnosis of Ascites

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective management of ascites. Physicians employ various methods to diagnose ascites, including:

1. Physical Examination: A careful examination of the abdomen and other relevant body parts can help identify signs of ascites.
2. Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging allows visualization of fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
3. CT Scan or MRI: Cross-sectional imaging techniques can provide detailed information about the extent and underlying causes of ascites.
4. Paracentesis: In some cases, a sample of the ascitic fluid is withdrawn via paracentesis for laboratory analysis.

Treatment

The approach to treating ascites depends on its underlying cause, severity, and individual patient factors.

At Dwarika Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, you can receive top-notch medical care is  excellent.  Ascites treatment cost in India is affordable yet with best quality care.

Our team of experts includes specialists like gastrologists, gastro surgeons, radiologists, intensive care doctors, anesthesiologists, dieticians, and physiotherapists.

We’re here to provide you with the best healthcare possible.

The main treatment options include:

Medical Management:

Diuretics are commonly prescribed to promote urine production and reduce fluid buildup. Low-sodium diets are also recommended to manage fluid retention.

When medical management and lifestyle changes prove insufficient in controlling ascites, surgical interventions may become necessary.

Paracentesis

• Procedure: Paracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the removal of excess fluid from the abdominal cavity using a thin, hollow needle or catheter. It is typically performed in a clinical setting.
• Indications: Paracentesis is often used for diagnostic purposes to analyze the ascitic fluid or as a therapeutic measure to relieve discomfort and pressure caused by excessive fluid accumulation.
• Advantages: Paracentesis provides rapid relief from ascites-related symptoms and can be repeated as needed.
• Considerations: It is a temporary solution and does not treat the underlying cause of ascites.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)

• Procedure Overview: TIPS is a minimally invasive procedure that creates a shunt within the liver to reduce portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the portal vein). A stent is inserted to create a channel connecting the portal vein with one of the hepatic veins or the vena cava, allowing blood to bypass the liver and reduce pressure.
• Indications: TIPS is primarily used to manage ascites and other complications of portal hypertension when traditional treatments fail.
• Advantages: TIPS can effectively control ascites and reduce the risk of associated complications, such as variceal bleeding.
• Considerations: Potential risks include hepatic encephalopathy (mental confusion due to liver dysfunction) and stent-related complications. At Dwarika Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, you can receive top-notch medical care is  excellent.  Ascites treatment cost in India is affordable yet with best quality care

Porto-Caval Shunt

• Procedure Overview: A Porto-Caval Shunt is a surgical procedure that creates a direct connection between the portal vein and the vena cava, bypassing the liver entirely. This allows blood to flow freely, reducing portal hypertension.
• Indications: This procedure is used when TIPS is not feasible or ineffective and when other treatment options for ascites are exhausted.
• Advantages: Porto-Caval Shunts can effectively control ascites and portal hypertension, reducing the risk of further complications.
• Considerations: While effective, this surgery is more invasive than TIPS and may have a higher risk of complications, including hepatic encephalopathy. At Dwarika Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, you can receive top-notch medical care is  excellent.  Ascites treatment cost in India is affordable yet with best quality care.

Liver Transplant

• Procedure Overview: Liver transplant is the surgical removal of a diseased liver and its replacement with a healthy donor liver. It is the most definitive treatment for advanced liver disease and associated complications, including ascites.
• Indications: Liver transplant is considered when ascites is severe and caused by irreversible liver damage, such as cirrhosis, and when other surgical options are not viable.
• Advantages: A liver transplant offers the best chance for a cure, addressing the root cause of ascites and liver disease.
• Considerations: Liver transplant is a major surgery with long-term implications, including the need for immunosuppressive medications and careful post-transplant management. At Dwarika Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, you can receive top-notch medical care is  excellent.  Ascites treatment cost in India is affordable yet with best quality care

The treatment of ascites often involves a stepwise approach, starting with lifestyle modifications and medications. When these measures prove insufficient, surgical interventions like TIPS, Porto-Caval Shunt, and liver transplant become crucial options.

The choice of surgery depends on the patient’s specific condition, the severity of ascites, and the underlying liver disease.

It is essential for patients and their healthcare teams to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of each surgical option to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for managing ascites effectively.

Ascites Treatment cost in India

At Dwarika Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, you can receive top-notch medical care is  excellent.  Ascites treatment cost in India is affordable yet with best quality care.

Prevention

While certain causes of ascites are beyond one’s control, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk:

1. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake is a significant contributor to liver cirrhosis and should be avoided.
2. Vaccination: Protect yourself against hepatitis A and B infections through appropriate vaccinations.
3. Manage Chronic Conditions: Properly manage chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease to minimize their impact on ascites development.

Home Care

Individuals with ascites can take specific steps to manage their condition at home:

1. Follow Medical Recommendations: Adhere to your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
2. Monitor Weight: Keep track of your weight daily to detect fluid retention early on.
3. Elevate Legs: Elevating your legs while sitting or lying down can help reduce abdominal fluid buildup.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Certain signs and symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

1. Sudden and severe abdominal pain.
2. Difficulty breathing.
3. Rapid weight gain.
4. Worsening abdominal swelling.
5. Development of fever or signs of infection.

Conclusion

Ascites is a challenging medical condition that requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate management.
Understanding the risk factors, causes, and available treatment options is essential for both patients and healthcare providers.

At Dwarika Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, you can receive top-notch medical care is  excellent.  Ascites treatment cost in India is affordable yet with best quality care.

By adopting preventive measures and seeking timely medical advice, individuals can better manage ascites and improve their overall quality of life. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.