What is Paracentesis?
Paracentesis is a medical procedure used to remove excess fluid, called ascites, from the abdominal cavity. Ascites often develops in people with advanced liver disease, heart failure, or certain cancers. During the procedure, a thin needle or catheter is inserted into the abdomen, usually under ultrasound guidance, to safely drain the fluid. Paracentesis is not only diagnostic, helping doctors analyze the fluid for infections or cancer cells, but also therapeutic, providing relief from discomfort caused by swelling and pressure.
This procedure helps to:
- Relieve abdominal swelling and pressure.
- Improve breathing and mobility in patients with severe ascites.
- Diagnose infection, cancer, or other causes of fluid buildup.
- Reduce discomfort such as bloating or pain.
- Guide long-term management of liver or heart conditions.
What to expect after Paracentesis?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour. Patients may feel immediate relief from discomfort once the fluid is drained. Recovery is quick, but monitoring is required afterward, especially if large volumes of fluid are removed.
- Mild tenderness at the insertion site.
- Bandage applied to prevent leakage.
- Noticeable relief from pressure and bloating.
- Patients can usually return home the same day.
- Follow-up testing may be required to analyze the fluid.
