What You Should Know about an Abdominal Paracentesis

  A physician specializing in internal medicine, Dr. Rex Mahnensmith has been caring for patients for 40 years. In his practice, Dr. Rex Mahnensmith has performed numerous procedures, including abdominal paracentesis. 

Abdominal paracentesis, also known as an abdominal tap, is a procedure performed to remove excess fluids from a patient’s abdominal cavity. The fluid, usually referred to as ascites, should not normally be in the abdomen. It may be caused by cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, bowel damage, an infection, or pancreatitis. Left unchecked, the fluid can cause pain, bloating, and breathing problems. 

An abdominal paracentesis can be performed in a hospital emergency room, a doctor's office, or in an operating room. It is a relatively short procedure, depending on the amount of fluid being removed. Before the procedure is performed, a patient should inform the doctor of any pre-existing allergies or medication being taken, especially anti-inflammatory or blood thinning medication. A blood test may be performed prior to the procedure. 

During the procedure, the patient lies on a bed facing upward. The doctor starts by shaving and cleaning the abdominal area before applying a local anesthetic to numb the pain. The doctor will then make an incision in the skin and insert a needle one or two inches into the opening. The fluid is then removed through the syringe. After the fluid has been removed, the wound is stitched and dressed.