Paracentesis procedure steps
Jan 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Paracentesis is a procedure performed under sterile conditions and must be conducted under the guidance of trained medical professionals. The standard procedure includes disinfection, draping, anesthesia, fluid aspiration, and catheter placement if needed. After aspiration, the volume of ascitic fluid should be recorded, and samples should be sent for laboratory examination. Once fluid drainage is complete, proper dressing and secure fixation are required. Postoperatively, patients should rest in a supine position for 2 hours, avoid lying on the side of the puncture site, and have their blood pressure monitored along with ongoing observation for any changes in clinical condition.
Paracentesis is a procedure performed under sterile conditions and must be conducted under the guidance of trained medical personnel. The standard steps include disinfection, draping, anesthesia, fluid aspiration, catheter placement (if needed), measurement of the extracted fluid, sending the ascitic fluid for laboratory testing, and finally dressing and securing the site after drainage. The specific procedure is as follows:
1. Depending on the patient's condition and needs, position the patient in supine, semi-recumbent, or slightly left lateral decubitus position, ensuring maximum comfort and advising the patient to empty the bladder beforehand.
2. Select an appropriate puncture site. For patients with small or localized (encapsulated) effusions, ultrasound guidance may be used to accurately locate the puncture point.
3. Put on sterile gloves. Routinely disinfect the puncture site and drape it with sterile fenestrated towels. Use 2% lidocaine to perform local anesthesia from the skin down to the parietal peritoneum.
4. Select an appropriate needle. Fix the skin at the puncture site with the left hand, then use the right hand to insert the needle through the anesthetized area until ascitic fluid can be aspirated from the peritoneal cavity. After completion, remove the needle, cover the site with gauze, and apply a dressing.
After the procedure, instruct the patient to rest in a supine position for 2 hours, avoid lying on the side of the puncture, monitor blood pressure, and observe for any changes in clinical condition.
