At Meliora Healthcare, we offer paracentesis as a medical procedure to help individuals experiencing abdominal fluid buildup, a condition known as ascites. Ascites can be caused by various underlying health issues, such as liver disease, heart failure, or certain cancers. Paracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that provides relief by draining excess fluid from the abdominal cavity.
How Is Paracentesis Performed?
During the paracentesis procedure, patients typically lie on their backs, and the skin in the abdominal area is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. A healthcare provider then carefully inserts a needle or catheter into the abdominal cavity under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision. The excess fluid is slowly drained, and a sample may be sent for laboratory analysis to help diagnose the underlying cause of ascites.
