nyxis

abdominal paracentesis insertion of a trocar through a small incision and into the peritoneal cavity to remove ascitic fluids or inject a therapeutic agent. This is most often done to remove excess fluid in a patient with cirrhosis of the liver. Called also abdominocentesis and peritoneocentesis.

Before the procedure the patient is instructed to empty the bladder to reduce the danger of accidental puncture of the bladder. The skin below the umbilicus and overlying the rectus muscle is cleansed with an antiseptic. A local anesthetic is used to anesthetize the skin and underlying tissues at the site of insertion of the trocar. During the procedure the patient may be placed in a sitting position with the feet resting on a foot stool or on the floor. The back and arms should be well supported. The container for collecting the drainage is placed at the patient's feet. As the fluid is being withdrawn the patient is observed for symptoms of fainting or shock.

The amount and character of the fluid obtained are recorded and a specimen is saved if the physician requests laboratory examination of the fluid. After the trocar is removed a sterile dressing is applied to the site. A more permanent procedure for relief of accumulations of excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity is insertion of a peritoneovenous shunt.

thoracic paracentesis thoracentesis.