Paracentesis is a procedure performed in patients with ascites, during which a needle is inserted into the peritoneal cavity to obtain ascitic fluid

Function

1. Diagnostic → to collect Ascites Fluid
2. Therapeutic → tp treat Ascites

• • con-current IV Albumin (Colloid) (25% x 100 cc for every 4-5L) to prevent !AKI - Acute Kidney Injury

Contra-indication

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Absolute

• catheter/needles through vessels, surgical scars, or abdominal hematoma </aside>

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Relative

• SBO - Small Bowel Obstruction </aside>

Risk

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Common

• Bleeding </aside>

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Rare but serious

• Infection
• PTX - Pneumothorax </aside>

Procedure (US-landmarked)

Preparation

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Checklist

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Landmarking

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Avoid

• inferior epigastric vessels
• bowels </aside>

1. ID a pocket (with ~2 cm fluid in depth)