Alfapump System Versus Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt and Paracentesis in the Treatment of Ascites

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Cirrhosis of the liver 2. Recurrent or refractory ascites 3. Age ≥ 18 years (at informed consent) 4. Written informed consent 5. Expected ability to operate the Alfapump device 6. Alcohol abstinence ≥ 3 months at date of inclusion Exclusion Criteria: 1. General contraindications indicating an advanced stage of liver cirrhosis: * Bilirubin \> 5 mg/dl and/or * INR \> 1.5 (without oral anticoagulant such as Vitamin K antagonists or new oral anticoagulants (NOAKs), which inhibit the determination of INR. Therefore patients must be switched to alternative anticoagulants such as heparin or low molecular heparin or fondaparinux that do not interfere with INR measurements) and/or * Serum-Sodium \< 130 mmol/l and/or * ECOG \> 2 (Performance status) 2. Gastrointestinal haemorrhage during the last 7 days before inclusion 3. Renal failure defined as serum creatinine higher than or equal to 1,5 mg/dl at time of inclusion 4. Clinical evidence of recurring bacterial peritonitis, defined as 2 or more episodes over the last 6 months or a single episode within the last 2 weeks before inclusion. 5. Clinical evidence of recurring urinary infections, defined as 2 or more episodes over the last 6 months or a single episode within the last 2 weeks before inclusion. 6. Clinical evidence of loculated ascites. 7. Residual urinary volume exceeding 100 ml if obstructive uropathy is known or suspected 8. Known bladder anomaly which might contraindicate implantation of the device. 9. Known or suspected hepatic or extra hepatic malignancy, unless adequately treated and in complete remission for ≥ 3 years 10. Known active chronic hepatitis C (unless adequately treated, i.e no Virus-RNA detectable after cessation of antiviral treatment) 11. Acute peritonitis 12. Pregnant or nursing women. (A serum pregnancy test is required for fertile women within two years of their last menstruation.) 13. Fertile women (within two years of their last menstruation) without appropriate contraceptive measures (implantation, injections, oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, partner with vasectomy) while participating in the trial 14. Suspected lack of compliance 15. Patients enrolled in another interventional clinical study