Paracentesis
A paracentesis is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fluid in the abdominal cavity. Doctors can prescribe this surgery as a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of fluid buildup or as a palliative treatment option to relieve pressure.
The buildup of fluid within the abdominal cavity is called ascites. Ascites can be caused by infection, inflammation, an injury, or a serious condition like cancer. One cancer that is often accompanied by ascites is peritoneal mesothelioma. This cancer is rare and is caused by the ingestion of asbestos fibers.
Peritoneal mesothelioma patients might undergo a paracentesis to alleviate symptoms like stomach pain and difficulty breathing. Doctors usually use it as a first-line treatment option to improve quality of life. Unlike a peritonectomy, which is a major surgery used to remove cancerous tumors from the abdominal cavity, a paracentesis is utilized as a palliative treatment to provide relief from symptoms.
Patients who wish to avoid aggressive surgery may elect to receive a paracentesis instead.
The right treatment plan is essential after receiving a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis. Make sure you're informed about all of the options available by getting our treatment guide sent to you overnight.
The Procedure
It is generally recommended to use an ultrasound to visualize the fluid buildup before the procedure. This helps doctors pinpoint where the excess fluid is located and determines the distance from the skin to the fluid so they know how far to insert the needle.
Although local anesthesia is used to numb the area where the needle will be inserted, patients might feel some slight discomfort or pressure during the procedure. When a paracentesis is used for diagnostic purposes, only a small amount of fluid is removed for evaluation. As a palliative treatment option for peritoneal mesothelioma, doctors might remove as much as one gallon of fluid.
When a large amount of fluid is removed, patients may experience dizziness and an IV may be prescribed to replace lost fluids, prevent a drop in blood pressure, and reduce the risk of shock. The procedure only takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
Are There Any Risks?
A paracentesis is a fairly simple procedure that presents very few risks. But because the fluid is drained with a needle, there is a small risk that the needle could puncture an organ if it's inserted incorrectly. If peritoneal mesothelioma cells are present, there is a chance they could spread (called "seeding") to the site where the needle was inserted. Radiation therapy can be used along the site of the incision to prevent seeding.
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Last Modified Monday, May 14th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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