Palliative care for peritoneal carcinomatosis

This paper is a review of the palliative management of the 2 main symptoms of peritoneal carcinomatosis: ascites and bowel obstruction. A therapeutic strategy is proposed based on a literature review and experience acquired by teams specializing in palliative care. Various treatment methods for ascites are discussed, including diuretic therapy, paracentesis and peritoneal drainage catheter. Pharmacological therapy for bowel obstruction is reviewed and various treatment methods for bowel obstruction are discussed, including surgery, endoscopic stenting, nasogastric suction and venting gastrostomy.