About this topic
The belly has the liver, stomach, bowels and other organs in it. In most cases there is only a small amount of fluid in the belly. But, some illnesses cause fluid to collect in the belly. This is called ascites. Too much fluid in the belly may happen from injury, infection, liver disease, or some kinds of cancers. ‚
An abdominal paracentesis is a procedure done to get rid of the extra fluid in the belly. It may also help your doctor learn the cause of the extra fluid. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your drainage site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages. Fluid may still come out from the site.
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
- Ask your doctor if you need a low salt diet.
- Based on the reason for the ascites, your doctor may tell you not to drink beer, wine, or mixed drinks (alcohol).
- The doctor may ask you to measure your belly with a tape measure and weigh yourself each day.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity for a short time. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Injury to an organ near where fluid was removed, such as the liver, spleen, or other organs
- Drop in blood pressure due to the amount of fluid that was removed
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Very bad belly pain
- Trouble breathing
- Blood in the urine
- Bleeding or fluid leak from the site does not stop in 24 to 48 hours
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how to care for my drainage site.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, blood in my urine, belly pain, or trouble breathing.
Where can I learn more?
GI Health ‚
http://www.gihealth.com/html/education/ascites.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚