Why is this procedure done?
The pleura are layers of tissue that cover the outside surface of the lungs. A small amount of fluid fills up the space between the lungs and the chest wall. The pleura act as a lubricant and help the lungs work properly. If the pleural fluid increases (pleural effusion) due to certain conditions such as cancer, heart failure, or pneumonia, this may cause health problems like heart failure, lung infections, and trouble breathing. ‚
Thoracentesis is a procedure done to remove and look at the extra fluid in the pleura. It is done by putting a needle inside your chest, back, or armpit. This may be done as a scheduled or emergency procedure. ‚
What will the results be?
- The extra fluid in the lungs will be removed.
- The doctor may find the cause of the fluid build-up.
- You will be able to breathe easier.
What happens before the procedure?
- During an emergency, there are no preparations needed for this procedure.
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan
- Ultrasound
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the procedure room, the staff will help you into position for this procedure. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- The test results from ultrasound will help the doctor determine the location of the fluid in your lungs.
- The doctor may stick the needle in your chest, back, or armpit. The doctor will clean the area and numb the skin around where the needle will go in. This will keep you pain free during the procedure.
- The doctor will put in a needle and start draining out the fluid.
- Avoid movements like coughing and deep breathing during the procedure.
- If there is a lot of fluid, it will drain into a container. The doctor will remove the needle once enough fluid has been drained out.
- The doctor will cover the injection site with a clean bandage. The doctor will apply pressure to the injection site to stop the bleeding.
- This procedure may take 10 to 15 minutes or longer if you have lots of fluid.
What happens after the procedure?
- The staff will carefully monitor your vital signs after the procedure.
- The doctor will order a chest x-ray to make sure that the needle did not injure your lungs or other organs.
- Your doctor will send the collected fluid to the lab for testing. Ask your doctor when you can get the results.
- Your doctor will tell you when you may go home.
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.
- Clean the injection site with warm water and soap the day after the procedure. Wash your hands before and after touching the injection site.
- Follow your doctors orders.
- Ask your doctor when you can go back to your normal activities.
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.
- When the result of the test is available, the doctor will talk with you about the treatment plans.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Collapsed lung
- Bleeding
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, redness, pain, or bleeding at the wound site.
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Pain when taking a deep breath
Where can I learn more?
American Thoracic Society ‚
http://patients.thoracic.org/information-series/en/resources/thoracentesis.pdf ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/thor/ ‚
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. ‚