What are paracentesis and thoracentesis?
A paracentesis is the removal of fluid from the abdomen. A thoracentesis is the drainage of fluid from the chest. These procedures are usually done to relieve symptoms you may be having. Fluid in your chest will cause shortness of breath and fluid in your abdomen will cause distention and pain. Sometimes the fluid is sent to a pathologist to determine the cause for the fluid collection. The radiologist will locate the fluid collection with ultrasound. He will numb the skin with a local anesthetic like the dentist uses. A needle will be inserted and connected to a bottle to drain the fluid. Preparation for Paracentesis or Thoracentesis. • There is nothing you need to do prior to having these procedures. Usually you will come to see your doctor because of symptoms you are having and your doctor will ask the radiologist to drain the fluid that same day. • You may have lab work done prior to the procedure. • You could spend 30 minutes in our recovery area, depending on whether this is the
