Effect of bilateral adrenalectomy in a patient with massive ascites and postnecrotic cirrhosis.

THE problem of wasting ascites occurring in patients with cirrhosis of the liver is unsolved — both the pathogenesis of the ascites and its reliable cure. Recent observations have indicated the presence of an abnormal diathesis for sodium and water retention. The present report is concerned with the effect of bilateral adrenalectomy performed on a patient with unrelenting ascites and the alterations that occurred in water and electrolyte exchange. In many cases, ascites of cirrhosis is temporary or amenable to conservative medical management consisting largely of dietary salt restriction, adequate blood and plasma replacement and suitable diuresis. One must be . . .