When the Tap Turns Critical: Hemorrhagic Shock Following Paracentesis for Decompensated Cirrhosis

Authors

Vivian Chang, Corewell Health East Resident
Roy Soto, Corewell Health East

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-12-2025

Abstract

A 41-year-old female with a history of alcoholic liver cirrhosis and chronic pancreatitis presented with acute-on-chronic abdominal pain. She underwent paracentesis for ascites with 2.8 L fluid removal. Shortly after, she developed acute hemorrhagic shock due to an actively extravasating right rectus sheath hematoma. She successfully underwent emergent embolization of the right L4 lumbar artery but subsequently developed acute hypoxic respiratory failure and hematemesis, requiring intubation. In this presentation, we will discuss the complex interplay between coagulopathy, liver disease, and hemodynamic instability, emphasizing anesthetic considerations for resuscitation, coagulopathy management, and peri-procedural stabilization in critically ill patients.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Annual Meeting, October 10-14, 2025, San Antonio, TX

Recommended Citation

Chang V, Soto R. When the tap turns critical: hemorrhagic shock following paracentesis for decompensated cirrhosis. Presented at: American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Annual Meeting; 2025 Oct 12; San Antonio, TX. Available from:https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21028/presentation/9825