Thoracentesis

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The illustration shows a person having thoracentesis. The person sits upright and leans on a table. Excess fluid from the pleural space is drained into a bag.

Thoracentesis is a medical procedure wherein a needle is introduced into the pleural space – the area between the lungs and the chest wall. The primary goal of this procedure is to extract excess fluid, referred to as a pleural effusion, to enhance respiratory comfort and ease breathing. In addition to alleviating symptoms, thoracentesis also assists in diagnosing the underlying cause of the pleural effusion.

Etiology of Pleural Effusion

A variety of conditions can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. These include:

• Heart failure
• Lung infections
• Tumors
• Certain autoimmune diseases
• Kidney diseases
• Liver cirrhosis

Left-sided Pleural Effusion

Procedure

Thoracentesis is typically performed in a controlled environment like a doctor’s office or a hospital setup. The procedure is as follows:

1. The patient is positioned, usually seated on the edge of a bed or chair with their head and arms resting on a table.
2. Ultrasound guidance might be employed to pinpoint the optimal site for needle insertion.
3. The designated skin area is thoroughly cleansed and sterilized.
4. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the insertion site.
5. A needle, or sometimes a small catheter, is carefully inserted between the ribs to access the pleural space.
6. Fluid extraction ensues, during which patients might experience transient discomfort, a sensation of pressure, or an urge to cough.
7. Following fluid withdrawal, the needle is safely removed and a sterile bandage is placed over the puncture site.

The entire procedure generally lasts between 10 to 15 minutes, though it can extend if there's a significant amount of fluid to drain.

Post-procedure Care and Analysis

After undergoing thoracentesis:

• The patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure and respiratory rate, are closely monitored.
• The extracted fluid is sent to a laboratory for diagnostic testing. This analysis can provide crucial insights into the cause of the pleural effusion and inform subsequent therapeutic strategies.
• A follow-up chest X-ray might be recommended to evaluate the lungs and ensure no complications have arisen post-procedure.

Potential Risks

While thoracentesis is largely safe, there are potential risks involved:

• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung): A potential side effect where air enters the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse.
• Bleeding or bruising: Usually minor and self-limiting.
• Infection: Rare, but necessitates prompt treatment.
• Pain: At the site of needle insertion.
• Injury to nearby organs: Extremely rare, but possible injuries to the liver or spleen.

See Also

• Pleural cavity
• Respiratory system
• Medical imaging

Thoracentesis Resources
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