MEDICAL DICTIONARY
Paracentesis: The removal of fluid from a body cavity using a needle, trocar, cannula, or other hollow instrument.
A paracentesis may be diagnostic or therapeutic as, for example, in ascites where there is free fluid in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity. If the cause of the ascites is uncertain, diagnostic paracentesis is done in order to obtain fluid to examine. Therapeutic paracentesis may then be done to remove more fluid, as part of the plan of treatment.
Paracentesis of the chest cavity is called a thoracentesis.
|
DISCLAIMER:
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice
provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease,
or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. Not all Canadian drugs, Canada
prescription and Canadian prescription medicine is available
at discount Canadian on line pharmacies. If you have
or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements
regarding diet supplements have not been evaluated by
Health Canada and are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. All trade and service
marks mentioned on this site are recognized as belonging
to their respective owners.
|
|
|
|
