Abdominal paracentesis removes extra fluid from the belly. A needle is inserted into the belly to draw the fluid out.
Ascites is the build-up of fluid in the belly. This may be done to:
The fluid may return if the cause has not been treated. You may need to have this done again.
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems such as:
Your chances of problems are higher for:
Your doctor may do:
If the procedure is scheduled (not an emergency):
You will receive local anesthesia. You will be awake, but the area will be numb.
The area where the needle will be placed is cleaned. A drape will be put over the area. The numbing medicine will be injected nearby. A needle will be carefully inserted into the belly. The fluid will be drawn out through the syringe.
The amount of fluid that is removed will depend on your needs. A sample of fluid may be sent for testing. If you still have problems, more fluid will be removed until you feel better.
About 10-15 minutes, depending on how much fluid needs to be removed
The anesthesia will block pain during the procedure. Medicines will help ease pain afterwards.
You will stay in the recovery room for a few hours. Your blood pressure and other vital signs will be watched. If you have a lot of fluid leakage or are having trouble breathing, you may need to stay in the care center.
You will be able to return to normal activities. You will need to check on the insertion site to watch for signs of infection.
Call your doctor if any of these occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
American Cancer Society
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
Health Canada
Ascites. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116330/Ascites. Updated July 31, 2017. Accessed August 14, 2018.
Aslam N, Marino CR. Malignant ascites: new concepts in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Arch Intern Med. 2001;161(22):2733-2737.
Covey AM. Management of malignant pleural effusions and ascites. J Support Oncol. 2005;3(2):169-173.
Smith EM, Jayson GC. The current and future management of malignant ascites. Clin Oncol. 2003;15(2):59-72.
6/2/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116330/Ascites: Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.
Last reviewed June 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.