Discharge Instructions: Ascites Shunt

You had surgery to place an ascites shunt, a tube that drains excess fluid from your abdominal space into another place in your body. The fluid buildup is called ascites. The shunt was placed during surgery. It includes a small bulb that can be pumped to move the ascites fluid and to keep the tube from clogging. The bulb is located under your skin, on one side near the bottom of your ribs. You were shown in the hospital how to pump the shunt. Here are general guidelines.

Home Care

To keep the tube clear, be sure to pump the shunt at bedtime and when you get out of bed every morning. Use these steps to pump the shunt:

• Wash your hands with soap and water.

• Lie on your back on your bed or couch.

• Feel near the bottom of your ribs and locate your shunt pump. Use the hand that is on the same side as your pump.

• When you find the pump, hold the bulb between the thumb and finger of that hand. Keep the pump firmly in place against your ribs.

• Use a finger of your opposite hand to push down on the center of the bulb. Push against your ribs as far as you can.

• Lift your finger slowly and let the bulb expand back to its normal shape.

• Repeat the last two steps until you have performed the pumping action 20 times.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.