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PARACENTESIS

What is a Paracentesis?
Your healthcare provider has requested that you undergo a procedure to remove fluid from your abdomen. The fluid is in a space between your abdominal organs and abdominal wall. Excessive fluid may be caused by many conditions including inflammation, infection, liver failure, cancer and others.

How Should I Prepare?
Prior to your procedure, you should make sure all medications and allergies are updated. If you are on a blood thinner you may be requested to stop that medication for a period of time. Labs may be required which check the ability of your blood to clot.

How is the Procedure Performed?
The procedure will be performed by a qualified healthcare professional with specific training in Interventional Radiology. The procedure may be performed under CT- or ultrasound-guidance to safely identify the location of the fluid.

The skin will be cleaned with a sterilizing solution and numbing medicine injected into the skin. A needle is advanced into the fluid which will then drain into a bottle or container. The amount removed will be specified by your ordering physician.

What Should I Expect After the Procedure?
The fluid may be sent to the lab for analysis to assist your doctor in diagnosing your medical condition or aiding in a treatment plan. Depending upon the amount of fluid removed, you may be required to receive intravenous albumin (protein solution) after the fluid is removed.

Who Interprets the Results?
The removed fluid may be sent to the lab for further evaluation. The physician who ordered the procedure will convey these results to you.

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Sean Perini, MD
Glenn C. Cook, MD
Ronald G. Newbold, MD

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