A new method for ascites recirculation, consisting of a cellulose diacetate filter to remove substances with molecular weight > or = 300,000, cell debris and bacteria, followed by the concentration of ascitic fluid prior to i.v. infusion, was used 24 times in 19 patients with cirrhosis and massive or refractory ascites. The amount of ascites removed was 7.67 +/- 0.49 l, which was reduced to 407 +/- 37 ml. The procedure took 367 +/- 22 min to complete. No statistically significant changes in liver function tests, coagulative parameters, platelet count or natremia were found. The activity of coagulation and fibrinolytic systems was further assessed in six patients. No changes suggesting an activation of intravascular coagulation and/or primary fibrinolysis were disclosed. An asymptomatic fall in mean arterial pressure (from 88.6 +/- 2.6 to 80.3 +/- 3.0 mmHg; p = 0.02) occurred after paracentesis and was still present 48 h after ascites reinfusion. Plasma renin activity significantly decreased at the end of the procedure, but was not associated with a proportional reduction of plasma aldosterone concentrations. Both variables returned to baseline values 48 h later. A significant increase in the glomerular filtration rate occurred just after the end of the procedure (from 50.4 +/- 9.1 to 73.1 +/- 23.5 ml/min; p < 0.05) and subsided 48 h later. In contrast, no significant changes in diuresis and renal sodium excretion were found. Complications due to volume overload and sepsis did not occur; in one case, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis developed 3 days after the procedure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)