The authors present their experience with the surgical treatment of ascites in patients with cirrhosis of the liver by means of a peritoneovenous shunt (PVS). In 1991-1996 they established 25 PVS in 23 patients. The survival of patients, conditioned by the state of the parenchyma and haemorrhagic complications due to portal hypertension was not significantly affected by the shunt. In all patients regression of the tension ascites was recorded with improvement of the quality of life, improvement of the milieu interior and nutritional status.