The Mesothelioma SOS Glossary - Paracentesis

Paracentesis is the process of inserting a thin needle into the peritoneal cavity, or abdomen, to remove fluid. Paracentesis is used medically for a number of reasons, such as relieving abdominal tissue due to ascites, which are caused by peritoneal mesothelioma, to diagnose bacterial peritonitis and other bacterial infections, to diagnose metastatic cancer, and also to diagnose internal bleeding due to trauma. Paracentesis is usually done in an outpatient clinic, and is usually very low risk for infection and other complications. Typically, the patient who is receiving the paracentesis will first be asked to lie down and expose their abdomen. The doctor will first clean the area in which the needle is inserted with an antiseptic solution. Then, a small area of the skin will be frozen and a large hollow needle will be inserted about 2-5 cm into the peritoneal cavity and fluid will be quickly drained into a vacuum bottle. Up to 10 liters of peritoneal fluid may be drained during one setting. However, if the amount of fluid is more than 5 liters, typically doctors will give the patient intravenous albumin to prevent low blood pressure. Typically this procedure increases in risk with the amount of fluid being drained, yet patients report minimal pain and usually do not require sedation. Additionally, if the patient maintains blood pressure during the procedure they are typically discharged from the medical clinic immediately.