paracentesis Definition
- 1a surgical procedure that involves puncturing a body cavity, such as the abdomen or chest, with a needle to remove excess fluid
- 2a diagnostic procedure in which a sample of fluid is removed from a body cavity for analysis
Using paracentesis: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "paracentesis" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The patient underwent paracentesis to relieve the pressure in his abdomen.
Example
Paracentesis is often used to diagnose and treat ascites, a condition where there is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
Example
The doctor performed a paracentesis to obtain a sample of fluid for analysis.
paracentesis Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for paracentesis
- thoracentesis
- abdominal tap
- pleural tap
Phrases with paracentesis
a type of paracentesis that is performed to obtain a sample of fluid for laboratory analysis
Example
The doctor ordered a diagnostic paracentesis to determine the cause of the patient's ascites.
a type of paracentesis that is performed to remove excess fluid and relieve symptoms
Example
The patient underwent therapeutic paracentesis to alleviate the discomfort caused by his ascites.
ultrasound-guided paracentesis
a type of paracentesis that is performed under the guidance of an ultrasound machine to ensure accuracy and safety
Example
The doctor used an ultrasound machine to guide the paracentesis and avoid damaging nearby organs.
Origins of paracentesis
from Greek 'parakentēsis', meaning 'piercing beside'
Summary: paracentesis in Brief
The term 'paracentesis' [par-uh-sen-tee-sis] refers to a surgical or diagnostic procedure that involves puncturing a body cavity, such as the abdomen or chest, with a needle to remove excess fluid. It is often used to diagnose and treat ascites, a condition where there is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Paracentesis can be either diagnostic or therapeutic, and may be guided by ultrasound to ensure accuracy and safety.
