Abdominal Paracentesis

(Ascites Fluid Tap)

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Definition | Body Parts Involved | Reasons for Procedure | Complications | What to Expect | Outcome | Call Doctor If

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Definition

A procedure in which a needle is used to remove a sample of fluid or to drain an abnormal accumulation of fluid

Parts of the Body Involved

Abdomen

Reasons for Procedure

To determine the reason for fluid accumulation in the abdomen, which may occur due to:

• Internal bleeding after an injury
• Infection
• Cancer
• Liver disease (including cirrhosis of the liver)
• Pancreatic disease

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

• Bleeding disorder
• Excess scar tissue from previous surgeries or injuries
• Pregnancy
• Severe intestinal inflammation or distension
• Bladder distension not decreased by emptying the bladder via catheterization
• Infection in the area where the paracentesis instrument will be inserted
• Severe, acute abdominal condition requiring immediate surgery

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do some or all of the following:

• Physical exam
• X-ray
• CT scan – a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body
• Ultrasound – a test that uses sound waves to find problem areas
• MRI scan – a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the abdomen

If the procedure is scheduled (rather than done in an emergency):

• Do not eat or drink for the twelve hours before the procedure
• Empty your bladder just before the procedure
• You may need to have the area of entry shaved

During Procedure - Anesthesia

Anesthesia - Local

Description of the Procedure - You lie on your back, or if there is only a small amount of fluid in your abdomen, you will position yourself on your hands and knees. The area where the needle will be inserted is numbed with an injection of a local anesthetic, and cleaned with iodine or a similar solution. The needle is inserted into the abdomen and fluid is withdrawn. After the needle is removed, a small bandage is put over the area of the insertion.

After Procedure - Laboratory examination of the removed fluid

How Long Will It Take? Abdominal paracentesis can take as little as 10-15 minutes, but a longer time is required if there is a great deal of fluid to remove.

Will It Hurt? There will be some stinging or burning while the anesthesia is being injected, but once the area is numbed, you should not feel the actual paracentesis.

Possible Complications:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Low blood pressure
• Accidental piercing of other structures in the abdomen, such as the intestine, liver, spleen, stomach, bladder, or blood vessels

Average Hospital Stay - None

Postoperative Care -You'll stay in the recovery room for a few hours, so that your blood pressure and other vital signs can be monitored.

Outcome

You should take it relatively easy the day following your procedure, but you won't need to continue to restrict your activities based on having had an abdominal paracentesis.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the paracentesis site
• You feel faint or lightheaded

SOURCE:

The Merck Manual Online

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Last reviewed February 2001 by Medical Review Board