In simple words: A minimally invasive surgery where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the abdomen to place a drainage tube for removing excess fluid.

The physician examines the inside of the abdomen using a laparoscope, a thin tube with a light and camera. A catheter (flexible tube) is inserted into the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) for long-term drainage of ascites (fluid buildup), often seen in liver disease or abdominal cancers. After preparing and anesthetizing the patient, a small incision is made at the umbilicus (navel) to inflate the abdomen and improve visibility. Another small incision allows insertion of the camera and instruments. Fluid is removed by suction, and organs are examined. The catheter is placed, a tunnel is created under the skin for the catheter tubing, and the incisions are closed. A drainage bag or other device is connected to the catheter tubing where it exits the body.

Example 1: A patient with end-stage liver disease experiencing refractory ascites, where other treatments have failed, undergoes laparoscopic insertion of a tunneled intraperitoneal catheter for long-term fluid management., A patient with recurrent ascites due to ovarian cancer requires placement of a peritoneal catheter for palliative drainage of the fluid buildup., A patient with a malignant ascites secondary to pancreatic cancer has a tunneled intraperitoneal catheter placed laparoscopically to improve comfort and reduce hospitalizations.

Documentation should include the medical necessity for the procedure (e.g., diagnosis of ascites, failed conservative management), operative report detailing the laparoscopic procedure, type of catheter inserted, and any complications encountered.