Fig. 1.

Treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with refractory ascites (RA).

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) is used to intervene in RA of HCC patients to obtain a downward grading of the ascites. The control of ascites can improve a patient's Child–Pugh score and Child–Pugh stage. Therefore, the patient may obtain subsequent anti-tumor therapy and have enhanced liver function to tolerate the therapy. Finally, HCC patients with RA can obtain a survival benefit.