gastrointestinal disorders
How To Do Paracentesis
Introduction
Paracentesis is removal of peritoneal fluid (ascites or ascitic fluid) from the abdomen with percutaneous needle aspiration. Paracentesis can be done for diagnosis, to analyze ascitic fluid (in which small quantities are removed), or for treatment, typically in patients with chronic tense ascites (in which case large quantities are removed). (See also Paracentesis .) 