Objective. To compare analysis of the results of treatment of patients with refractory ascites using transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS) and repeated laparocentesis.

Materials and methods. 83 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the first group done repeated laparocentesis (54 patients), the second done TIPS (29 patients).

Results. In our study the cumulative possibility of survival within a year after the procedure was 64.7% in the TIPS group and 43.7% in the laparocentesis group (p=0.0034). TIPS provided control over ascites in 62% of patients, and laparocentesis only in 36.4% (p<0.00001) of patients. Rehospitalization for medical reasons was required in 17 (58.6%) patients after TIPS and 38 (70.4%) after laparocentesis (p=0.2804). In the long-term period the quality of life of patients according to the SF-36 scale after TIPS was statistically significantly better in comparison with patients after repeated laparocenteses in all studied parameters. At the same time the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy did not differ statistically significantly in the groups with these methods of treatment.

Сonclusions. As part of the study it was concluded that TIPS promotes better control over refractory ascites, improves the survival rate and quality of life of patients in comparison with repeated laparocentesis. At the same time the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy did not differ statistically significantly in the groups with presented methods of treatment. The lower frequency and later readmission create the prerequisites for reducing the cost of treating this category of patients.