Paracentesis

Paracentesis is a procedure used to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity. The fluid buildup may be caused by infection, inflammation, injury, cirrhosis or cancer. A diagnostic paracentesis is performed to determine the cause of the fluid buildup, while a therapeutic paracentesis is performed to relieve shortness of breath and pain.

• If you are taking warfarin (Coumadin), you will need to have an INR and Platelet count drawn the day before or the day of the procedure, prior to arriving.
• If you are taking blood thinners, you will need to hold the medication prior to your procedure. 
• Do not eat or drink for 4 hours before your appointment.
• Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment time.
• You will need a driver/ride home after your first procedure; subsequent procedures a driver is optional.

Paracentesis procedures typically take 45-60 minutes, with an additional 30-60 minutes monitoring post-procedure.

You will be positioned on a cushioned table. The needle insertion site will be cleansed and draped with sterile towels. A numbing medicine will be applied to your abdomen. Once the area is numb, the needle will be inserted and the fluid will be removed

If this was a diagnostic procedure, a sample of fluid will be sent to a laboratory for examination. The findings will be sent to your healthcare provider who will then contact you to discuss the results.

You will be monitored for 30-60 minutes after your procedure.