What is a paracentesis?
A paracentesis is a procedure to remove excess fluid from your abdomen (belly). If this fluid builds up in the abdomen, the condition is called ascites. A catheter (a long, thin, hollow plastic tube) is inserted through the skin and into the abdomen to obtain the excess fluid. A small sample may be taken and tested for problems. If the fluid buildup is causing discomfort or pain, all of the fluid may be drained. To do this, a tube is attached to the catheter and the fluid is drained into a container that sits outside of the body.
Preparing For Paracentesis
The Paracentesis Procedure
Recovery From Paracentesis
Call your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Signs of infection at the procedure site, such as redness, swelling, or a fever.
- Bleeding from the procedure site.
- Worsening, severe pain near the procedure site.
- More than a small amount of fluid leakage from the puncture site.
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded.
Risks of Paracentesis
- Bleeding at the procedure site
- Infection at the procedure site
- Injury to an adjacent nerve, blood vessel, muscle, or intestine
- Fast drop in blood pressure
Schedule A Consultation
If any further questions or complications arise and you do not know what to do, please call the radiology department at Summit Healthcare at 928-537-4375, ext. 6549. For questions after hours please ask for ext. 6332.