Randomised clinical trial: palliative long‐term abdominal drains vs large‐volume paracentesis in refractory ascites due to cirrhosis

Summary Background Palliative care remains suboptimal in end‐stage liver disease. Aim To inform a definitive study, we assessed palliative long‐term abdominal drains in end‐stage liver disease to determine recruitment, attrition, safety/potential effectiveness, questionnaires/interview uptake/completion and make a preliminary cost comparison. Methods A 12‐week feasibility nonblinded randomised controlled trial comparing large‐volume paracentesis vs long‐term abdominal drains in refractory ascites due to end‐stage liver disease with fortnightly home visits for clinical/questionnaire‐based assessments. Study success criteria were attrition not >50%,