Usually, there is very little fluid in the abdominal cavity. However, there are a number of conditions that can cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen. This is called ascites . When fluid accumulates, an abdominal paracentesis may be done. With this procedure, a needle is used to remove a sample of fluid or to drain fluid that has accumulated.
This is done to find out why there is fluid build-up in the abdomen. Causes may include:
This procedure may also be done when fluid in the abdomen:
Abdominal fluid can recur until the condition causing it has been treated. You may need to have the procedure again.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have an abdominal paracentesis, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
Your doctor may do some or all of the following:
If the procedure is scheduled (rather than done in an emergency):
You will receive local anesthesia. The area will become numb. You will stay awake during the procedure.
This is usually done in the doctor's office. In some cases, your doctor may have you go to the hospital before or after this procedure. If you are already in the hospital for a different reason, this procedure will not extend your stay.
In most cases, you will lie on your back. In some instances, you may need to be in a different position. The area where the needle will be inserted is cleaned with a solution and draped with sterile cloths. An injection of a local anesthetic will be given to numb the area. The doctor will carefully insert the needle into the abdomen. The fluid will be removed using a syringe.
The amount of fluid removed depends on your condition. If it is being done to make a diagnosis, the doctor will remove a small amount of fluid. If the procedure is being done to make you feel better, more fluid may be removed.
About 10-15 minutes (depending on how much fluid needs to be removed)
There will be some stinging or burning while the anesthesia is injected. Once the area is numb, you will not feel pain.
You will stay in the recovery room for a few hours. Your blood pressure and other vital signs will be monitored. If you have a lot of fluid leakage or are having trouble breathing, you may need to stay in the care center.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, call 911.
RESOURCES:
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp/
Family Doctor.org
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home.html/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
References:
Aslam N, Marino CR. Malignant ascites: new concepts in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Arch Intern Med. 2001;161:2733-2737.
Berkow R, Beers M, Fletcher AJ. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. New York, NY: Pocket Books; 1999.
Braunwald E, Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Professional; 2001.
Covey AM. Management of malignant pleural effusions and ascites. The Journal of Supportive Oncology. 2005;3:169-173.
Feldman M, et al.Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 2005.
Khatri VP, Asensio JA. Operative Surgery Manual. 1st ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2003.
Smith EM, Jayson GC. The current and future management of malignant ascites. Clin Oncol. 2003;15:59-72.
Townsend C, Beauchamp DR, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 16th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2004.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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