Paracentesis (for Ascites) Paracentesis is the removal of fluid
from the abdomen caused by ascites. Ascites is a condition where
fluid builds up in the abdomen. It is usually caused by liver
disease, such as cirrhosis of the liver, and is a serious
condition. Paracentesis can find the cause of ascites by
removing a sample of the abdominal fluid for laboratory
analysis. This is called diagnostic paracentesis. Paracentesis
is also used to drain large amounts of fluid from a patient's
abdomen, in an effort to reduce the effects of ascites when
other methods of treatment have not been effective. This
draining is called large volume paracentesis. In both diagnostic
and large-volume paracentesis, the doctor first numbs the skin
with a local anesthetic. He or she then inserts a needle through
the abdominal wall, and 1 to 2 inches into the abdomen. In some
cases, the doctor may use ultrasound to find the location of the
abdominal fluid. You may feel some pressure as the needle is
inserted. In diagnostic paracentesis,