2023 May 21. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–.
ABSTRACT
Paracentesis is a procedure performed to obtain a small sample of or drain ascitic fluid for both diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A needle or catheter is inserted into the peritoneal cavity and ascitic fluid is removed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The fluid may be used to determine the etiology of ascites and evaluate for cancer or infection.