Why is this procedure done?
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 an injury or infection. Liver disease or some kinds of cancers may also cause too much fluid in your belly. ‚
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. This procedure may also be done to check for organ damage after trauma to the belly. ‚
What will the results be?
- The extra fluid in the belly will be removed.
- The doctor may find the cause of ascites.
- You may feel better.
What happens before the procedure?
- If it is an emergency, you will not need to do anything special to get ready for this procedure.
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Some tests like x-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI scan may be ordered.
- 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.
- If you need to stop eating and drinking before the test
- If you might be pregnant
What happens during the procedure?
- Your doctor may do this procedure in the office or in your hospital room. You may also have it done in the x-ray department or the emergency room.
- The staff will help you lie down on a table. They will place your head in a raised position.
- The doctor will clean your belly and numb the area. The doctor will put a needle connected to a syringe into your belly. The doctor may watch with an ultrasound during the procedure.
- Once the needle is inside the belly, the doctor will pull the plunger of the syringe to drain the fluid. Sometimes, the doctor will attach the tubing into a bottle to collect the fluid as it drains.
- When enough has drained, the doctor will pull the needle out and hold pressure on the site to stop any bleeding.
- The doctor will cover the site with a clean bandage.
- The procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes. It depends on the amount of fluid that the doctor will remove.
What happens after the procedure?
- The staff will watch you closely. You are more likely to have changes in your blood pressure if large amounts of fluid were removed. You may be able to go back to your normal activities after the procedure.
- Your doctor will send the fluid to the lab for testing. Ask your doctor when you can get the results.
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
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
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. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚