Paracentesis
Paracentesis is a Hepatology procedure during which fluid from the abdomen is removed through a needle. There are two reasons to take fluid out of the abdomen. One is to analyze it. The other is to relieve pressure. Liquid that accumulates in the abdomen is called ascites. Ascites seeps out of organs for several reasons related either to disease in the organ or fluid pressures that are changing.
Paracentesis Preparation:
SEVEN DAYS PRIOR:
STOP: NSAIDs including: Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), Goody’s, and similar medications.
TAKE: All regular medications (especially blood pressure/cardiac, seizure, cholesterol, anxiety and pain medications etc.
DAY BEFORE PROCEDURE:
STOP: No food or drink after midnight. You cannot have a liver biopsy if you have a cough, shortness of breath, fever, or chest pain of new onset; call the office if you have any of these symptoms.
PERMITTED: Food and drink up until midnight
Day of Paracentesis:
NO FOOD OR DRINK! Do not eat or drink anything the morning of your procedure. Do not take any medications until after your procedure except blood pressure, heart, or seizure medications. If you are on blood pressure, pain, heart, or seizure medications please take them at 6 AM with a small sip of water. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar. If greater than 200, take ½ of your morning insulin. Your blood sugar will be checked before your procedure
Empty your bladder just before the procedure. Performed in a clinic, this procedure generally takes 10-15 minutes, depending on how much fluid needs to be removed. Local anesthesia may be applied to numb discomfort within the area.