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Other Minimally Invasive Treatments - Fluid Drainage

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.