HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Paracentesis
Why It Is Done
Paracentesis may be done to:
- Find the cause of fluid buildup in the belly.
- Diagnose an infection in the peritoneal fluid.
- Check for certain types of cancer, such as liver cancer.
- Remove a large amount of fluid that is causing pain or trouble breathing or that is affecting how the kidneys or the intestines (bowel) are working.
- Check for damage after a belly injury.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference January 17, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
|
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