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Abdominal Paracentesis



 Submitted by Nic on August 26, 2011
The abdominal cavity contains many important organs, most of which are associated with the digestive system. There is usually a small amount of fluid present in the abdominal cavity. However, when the individual suffers from a condition known as abdominal ascites, there will be a considerable build up of fluid in the abdomen. This extra buildup of fluid will cause problems with the functioning of the organs within the abdomen. This fluid buildup will also make the individual experience a feeling of heaviness and discomfort during normal daily tasks. An abdominal paracentesis procedure is done to drain fluid from the abdomen.

There are two abdominal paracentesis procedures that are done. In some cases the abdominal paracentesis is done to collect a sample of fluid which will then be tested for infections and other chemical characteristics. On the other hand, the abdominal paracentesis procedure is conducted in order to remove as much fluid as possible from the area, thus providing immense relief to the individual.

The abdomen is located below the chest cavity. Often the presence of excessive fluid in the abdomen leads to the development of breathing problems as the diaphragm cannot expand and contract as freely as it would like to. The presence of fluid in the abdomen will also cause problems with other organs present there. People may also report digestive difficulty when experiencing such a problem.

The abdominal paracentesis procedure is a simple and fairly straightforward procedure. A large bore needle is inserted into the cavity and the fluid is drained out. The insertion site may be covered in anesthetic gel to eliminate any pain felt during the insertion of the needle. The sample collected during the abdominal paracentesis is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. There are some abdominal paracentesis complications that could occur during the procedure. Any of the abdominal organs could get perforated if the needle is injected incorrectly. The individual may also go into shock if the fluid is drained too quickly. As with all invasive procedures, there is a small risk of the development of infections in the wound site and within the abdominal cavity. However, these risks are considered to be minimal. An abdominal paracentesis is therefore safe as long as it is performed by a trained team of doctors. Depending on the response of the patient, the doctor may allow him or her to return home immediately after the procedure.
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