How Long Does It Take to Treat Cirrhosis-Related Ascites?

Ascites caused by liver cirrhosis does not have a fixed treatment duration, as it varies significantly from person to person. In cases of mild or small-volume ascites, the fluid buildup may resolve within about a week through dietary management such as restricting water and sodium intake, along with the use of potassium-sparing diuretics.

For moderate to large-volume ascites, the treatment period is generally longer. Alongside sodium and fluid restrictions, a combination of potassium-sparing and potassium-losing diuretics may be prescribed. However, it's crucial to avoid rapid diuresis, as this can lead to serious complications such as electrolyte imbalances, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome.

In more severe cases involving refractory ascites, standard treatments may be less effective. At this stage, options like transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) can help reduce portal pressure and manage fluid buildup. Another approach includes therapeutic paracentesis combined with albumin infusion.

If these interventions fail to provide sufficient relief, liver transplantation becomes the most viable long-term solution. The overall treatment timeline in such cases can be significantly extended, depending on the availability of a donor and the patient's general health condition.