Transgastric peritoneal endoscopy in diagnosis of ascites with unknown origin

Abstract

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of transgastric peritoneal endoscopy in diagnosis of ascites with unknown origin. Methods Endoscopy was introduced into peritoneal cavity through gastric wall in 23 patients with exudative ascites which was able to be diagnosed by routine methods and biopsy was made through endoscopy to get pathological diagnosis. Results Definite diagnosis was made in 22 patient （95.7%）, of which 12 （54. 6% ） were malignant tumors, 8 （36.4%） were tuberculosis peritonitis, 1 （4. 5% ） was spontaneous peritonitis associated with liver cirrhosis and 1 （4. 5% ） was eosinophilic enteritis. Conclusion Natural orifice transluminal endoscopy combined with biopsy is an effective and accurate procedure for diagnosis of ascites of unknown causes. Key words: Ascites; Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery; Endoscopy; Diagnosis