Overview
Paracentesis is a procedure to drain fluid (ascites) that has accumulated in the abdominal cavity. For peritoneal mesothelioma patients, this procedure provides relief from abdominal distension, discomfort, and breathing difficulty caused by fluid pressing on the diaphragm.
Who May Be a Candidate
- Patients with symptomatic ascites
- Peritoneal mesothelioma with abdominal fluid
- Diagnostic evaluation of ascites
- Those needing symptom relief before other treatments
How It Works
A needle is inserted through the abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity, and fluid is drained into collection bags. The procedure may be guided by ultrasound.
Procedure Steps
- Local anesthetic applied to abdomen
- Ultrasound used to identify safe entry point
- Needle or catheter inserted into abdominal cavity
- Fluid drained slowly (may take 30-60 minutes)
- Large volumes may require IV fluids
- Needle removed and bandage applied
Benefits
- Relief from abdominal distension and discomfort
- Improved breathing
- Provides fluid for diagnostic analysis
- Can be performed as outpatient procedure
Risks & Side Effects
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Bowel perforation (rare)
- Low blood pressure if large volume removed
- Fluid reaccumulation
Recovery
Minimal recovery needed. Patients often feel immediate relief. May need to replace proteins lost in fluid. Fluid typically reaccumulates over weeks to months.
Expected Outcomes
Provides symptomatic relief but is not curative. May need to be repeated regularly. Indwelling catheters can allow home drainage for patients with frequent accumulation.
Finding Treatment
This procedure is typically performed at specialized mesothelioma treatment centers with experienced surgical teams. Consulting with a mesothelioma specialist is the first step in determining if this treatment is appropriate for your situation.