Abdominal Paracentesis

(Ascites Fluid Tap; Abdominal Tap)

by Editorial Staff And Contributors

Definition

Usually, there is very little fluid in the abdominal cavity. However, there are a number of conditions that can cause fluid to build up in the abdomen. This is called ascites. When fluid builds up, 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 built up.

Ascites

Ascites
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Reasons for Procedure

This is done to find out why there is fluid build-up in the abdomen. Causes may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Diseases of organs, such as the liver
  • Cancer

This procedure may also be done when fluid in the abdomen:

  • Makes breathing difficult
  • Causes pain

Abdominal fluid can return until the condition causing it has been treated. You may need to have the procedure again.

Possible Complications    TOP

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:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Accidental piercing of structures in the abdomen

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

  • Smoking
  • Bleeding disorder
  • Poor nutrition
  • Pregnancy
  • Full bladder
  • Infection in the area where the paracentesis instrument will be inserted

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

What to Expect    TOP

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may do some or all of the following:

If the procedure is scheduled (rather than done in an emergency):

  • Do not eat or drink for 12 hours before the procedure.
  • Empty your bladder just before the procedure.

Anesthesia

You will receive local anesthesia. The area will become numb. You will stay awake during the procedure.

Description of 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.

How Long Will It Take?

About 10-15 minutes (depending on how much fluid needs to be removed)

How Much Will It Hurt?

There will be some stinging or burning while the anesthesia is injected. After the area is numb, you will not feel pain.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

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.

At Home

  • Rest the day after your procedure.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions.

Call Your Doctor    TOP

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or fluid from the paracentesis site
  • Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given
  • Cough, shortness of breath, feeling faint, or chest pain
  • Swelling of the abdomen

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home.html

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References:

Ascites. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed . Updated November 8, 2012. Accessed January 2, 2013.
Aslam N, Marino CR. Malignant ascites: new concepts in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Arch Intern Med . 2001;161:2733-2737.
Covey AM. Management of malignant pleural effusions and ascites. The Journal of Supportive Oncology . 2005;3:169-173.
Smith EM, Jayson GC. The current and future management of malignant ascites. Clin Oncol . 2003;15:59-72.
6/2/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ : Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.
Last reviewed November 2012 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 11/26/2012