Abdominocentesis is a medical procedure involving the removal of fluid from the abdominal cavity. This intervention is performed to assess or alleviate conditions related to fluid accumulation within the abdomen.
What is Abdominocentesis?
Abdominocentesis, also known as abdominal paracentesis or peritoneocentesis, involves inserting a needle or a small catheter through the abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity. This space within the abdomen contains organs such as the stomach, intestines, and liver. The purpose of this procedure is to withdraw fluid that has accumulated in this space.
The collected fluid can then be analyzed in a laboratory to help identify the cause of the accumulation. In some cases, a larger amount of fluid may be removed to relieve pressure and discomfort. The procedure is generally considered simple, rapid, and safe.
Why is Abdominocentesis Performed?
Abdominocentesis serves two main purposes: diagnostic and therapeutic. Diagnostic abdominocentesis identifies the underlying cause of fluid buildup, often called ascites. Fluid analysis can help diagnose infections like peritonitis, internal bleeding, or accumulation from conditions such as liver disease or cancer. The fluid evaluation can involve cytologic, microbiological, and biochemical analysis.
Therapeutic abdominocentesis relieves symptoms caused by excessive fluid. A large volume of fluid can cause abdominal distension, leading to discomfort, pain, or difficulty breathing due to pressure on the diaphragm. Removing this excess fluid provides immediate relief. This palliative treatment is often recommended when fluid buildup significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life.
How is the Procedure Conducted?
Before the procedure, healthcare providers typically conduct an ultrasound to locate fluid accumulation and identify a suitable insertion site, minimizing risks. The patient is positioned comfortably, and the skin over the chosen area is cleaned thoroughly with an antiseptic solution. A local anesthetic is then injected to numb the skin and underlying tissues, reducing discomfort during needle insertion.
Once numb, a thin needle or small catheter is carefully inserted through the abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity. Ultrasound guidance may be used during insertion to ensure accurate placement and avoid injury to internal organs or blood vessels. Fluid then drains through the needle or catheter, collected into a specialized container or syringe. Patients may feel pressure or pulling as the fluid drains.
What to Consider After Abdominocentesis?
After the abdominocentesis, a small bandage is applied to the puncture site. A minor amount of fluid may leak from the insertion site for a short period, managed by keeping the area clean and covered. Patients might experience mild pain or discomfort at the site, and bruising can also occur.
While generally safe, there are potential considerations. Rare complications include infection at the puncture site, bleeding, or, in infrequent cases, accidental perforation of an organ. Patients should monitor for signs of complications, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or excessive fluid leakage, and seek medical attention if these occur. Results from the fluid analysis are usually available within a few days, guiding further treatment decisions.