Paracentesis is a medical procedure that involves draining fluid from a cavity to the body, usually performed in cases of ascites, which is the buildup of fluid in the abdomen, caused by diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver, cancer or abdominal infections. , for example, know what ascites are and the diseases that cause it.
Paracentesis is performed with the following objectives:
- Paracentesis is usually performed in a hospital or on an outpatient basis by a gp or gastroenterologist.
- And for the procedure it is necessary for the patient to be pressed against a bed.
- Where cleaning and anesthesia is performed at the puncture site and then introduce a special water that will allow the extraction of fluid.
Paracentesis is usually indicated to remove fluid from the abdominal cavity. In general, the abdomen contains only a small amount of free fluid, however, some situations can cause an abnormal increase in this amount, a condition known as ascites or “fluid in the abdomen”.
The main cause of ascites is liver cirrhosis caused by various situations, such as chronic viral hepatitis, alcoholism, autoimmune or genetic diseases, for example.
Other situations that can also cause ascites in abdominal tumors or metastasis, congestive heart failure, kidney disorders or even abdominal infections caused by tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, fungi and bacteria.
Paracentesis is performed by the doctor and the procedure consists of the following steps:
Also, when the amount of drained liquid exceeds 4 liters, the use of human albumin intravenously during immediate subsequent intervention is recommended at a dose of 6 to 10 grams of albumin per liter extracted. This medicine is important so that excess fluid extracted does not cause an imbalance between abdominal fluid and blood fluid.
Although paracentesis is usually a safe procedure, some complications can occur, such as perforation of an organ in the digestive tract, bleeding or infections of ascitic fluid or abdominal wall.