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VASCULAR AND NON-VASCULAR
INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES
Drainage of Pleural and Peritoneal Fluid Collections - Paracentesis
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Paracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid that has accumulated in the abdominal cavity (peritoneal fluid), a condition called ascites. Ascites may be caused by infection, inflammation, abdominal injury, or other conditions, such as cirrhosis or cancer. The fluid is removed using a needle inserted through the abdominal wall and sent to a lab for analysis to determine the cause of the fluid buildup or to diagnose infection in the peritoneal fluid. Paracentesis also may be done to drain the fluid as a comfort measure in people with cancer or chronic cirrhosis. This may help ease the pain or difficulty in breathing and enable the kidneys and/or the intestines function more appropriately.
The interventional radiologist injects a local anesthetic into the patients’ abdominal wall to numb the area where the paracentesis needle will be inserted. Once the area is numb, he/she will gradually advance the needle under the guidance of an ultrasound machine to where the fluid is located in the abdomen. When the abdominal is cavity is entered, the fluid will flow into the syringe. If a large amount of fluid is present, the paracentesis needle may be connected by a small tube to a vacuum bottle to rapidly remove the fluid. Once the desired amount of fluid has been removed, the needle is withdrawn and a bandage is placed over the puncture site. In some cases where the fluid re-accumulates quickly, a special catheter can be left in place to allow easy drainage of any additional fluid if needed.
This procedure usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It will take longer if a large amount of fluid is being removed.
Key Advantages:
- Minimally invasive
- Out-patient procedure
- Helps diagnose infections in the peritoneal fluid
- May help ease abdominal pain, fullness, or difficulty in breathing
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