About Paracentesis
Paracentesis is a procedure performed to drain excess fluid from the abdominal cavity. Buildup of abnormal amounts of fluid is abnormal and can be due to many different disease process, the most common diseases being cirrhosis, congestive heart failure (CHF), infections and cancer. Excess fluid can cause discomfort or shortness of breath, which often can be relieved by removing the fluid from the abdominal cavity, a procedure called paracentesis. Once the fluid has been removed your doctor may request laboratory tests on the fluid to help determine the cause of the fluid. Performing paracentesis with imaging guidance helps ensure accurate placement of the extraction catheter, so that fluid can be removed without endangering vital organs and blood vessels.
What to Expect
After using an ultrasound machine to locate the fluid, your radiologist will cleanse and numb your skin, then will insert a thin, hollow needle to draw out the fluid. After the needle is removed, a small bandage will be placed over the site. Any procedure that involves piercing the skin introduces a small risk of infection or bleeding. We perform all of these procedures with sterile techniques to reduce the chance of an infection. Follow-up instructions will be given to you at the time of your procedure. All such care is specific to the procedure performed and to your personal health.
About Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis is a procedure performed to drain excess fluid from the chest that builds up between the lungs and the chest wall. This fluid is called pleural fluid and when too much fluid is present the problem is called a pleural effusion. Buildup of abnormal amounts of fluid can be due to many different disease process, the most common diseases being congestive heart failure (CHF), cirrhosis, infections and cancer. Excess fluid can cause discomfort or shortness of breath, which often can be relieved by removing the fluid from the chest, a procedure called thoracentesis. Once the fluid has been removed your doctor may request laboratory tests on the fluid to help determine the cause of the fluid. Performing thoracentesis with imaging guidance helps ensure accurate placement of the extraction needle, so that fluid can be removed without endangering vital organs and blood vessels.
What to Expect
You will be in a sitting position. After using an ultrasound machine to locate the fluid, your radiologist will cleanse and numb your skin, then will insert a thin, hollow needle to draw out the fluid. After the needle is removed, a small bandage will be placed over the site. Any procedure that involves piercing the skin introduces risk of infection or bleeding. All of these procedures are performed under sterile techniques to reduce the chance of an infection. The slight possibility of a lung collapse and offices are equipped to monitor such conditions and to administer treatment as necessary. You may have a routine chest X-ray after the procedure prior to discharge. Follow-up instructions will be given to you at the time of your procedure.
