Ultrasound-Guided Paracentesis

A paracentesis is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.  Excess fluid, called ascites, can accumulate in the abdomen from liver disease, malignancy, and other reasons, causing abdominal swelling and discomfort.  This excess fluid can be removed with a procedure called paracentesis.  Ultrasound is used to identify the fluid collection in the abdomen.  Then a small, flexible catheter is inserted into the abdominal cavity and the fluid is suctioned out.  The procedure is generally very safe and can usually be performed with very little discomfort to the patient with just local anesthetic.

Ultrasound guided Thoracentesis

A thoracentesis is a procedure to drain fluid from the chest cavity around the lungs.  Excess fluid, called a pleural effusion, can accumulate around the lung, creating pressure on the lung, making it difficult for the lung to expand and causing shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and other symptoms.  Ultrasound is used to identify the fluid collection around the lung.  Then a small, flexible catheter is inserted into the fluid and withdrawn.  The procedure is generally very safe and can usually be performed with very little discomfort to the patient with just local anesthetic.  A chest x-ray following the procedure is taken to assure that the lung has re-expanded properly and there have been no complications.