Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall called the pleural space. It is done with a needle (and sometimes a plastic catheter) inserted through the chest wall. Ultrasound pictures are often used to guide the placement of the needle. This pleural fluid may be sent to a lab to determine what may be causing the fluid to build up in the pleural space.
Normally only a small amount of pleural fluid is present in the pleural space. A buildup of excess pleural fluid (pleural effusion) may be caused by many conditions, such as infection, inflammation, heart failure, or cancer. If a large amount of fluid is present, it may be hard to breathe. Fluid inside the pleural space may be found during a physical examination and is usually confirmed by a chest X-ray.
This procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.
Thoracentesis is generally a safe procedure. A chest X-ray may be done right after the procedure to make sure that no complications have occurred. Complications may include:
When you are given the shot to numb your skin at the needle site, you will feel a sharp stinging or burning sensation that lasts a few seconds. When the needle is inserted into the chest wall, you may again feel a sharp pain for a few seconds.
When the pleural fluid is removed, you may feel a sense of "pulling" or pressure in your chest. Tell your doctor or nurse if you feel faint or if you have any shortness of breath, chest pain, or uncontrollable cough.
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Normal: | A small amount of clear, colorless, or pale yellow pleural fluid, usually less than 20 mL (0.7 fl oz) , is normally present. No infection, inflammation, or cancer is found. |
Abnormal: | A large amount of pleural fluid is present. |
Fluid may be labeled as either a transudate or an exudate.
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Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
Thoracentesis (say "thor-uh-sen-TEE-sis") is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space). This procedure may also be called a "chest tap." It's normal to have a small amount of fluid in the pleural space. But too much fluid can build up because of problems such as infection, heart failure, or lung cancer. The procedure may have been done to help with shortness of breath and pain caused by the fluid buildup. Or you may have had this procedure so the doctor could test the fluid to find the cause of the buildup.
Your chest may be sore where the doctor put the needle or catheter into your skin (the puncture site). This usually gets better after a day or two. You can go back to work or your normal activities as soon as you feel up to it.
If a large amount of pleural fluid was removed during the procedure, you will probably be able to breathe more easily.
If more pleural fluid collects and needs to be removed, another thoracentesis may be done later.
Thoracentesis may be done to:
In thoracentesis, the doctor removes fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall (the pleural space). The doctor inserts a needle (and sometimes a plastic catheter) between two ribs and through the chest wall to remove and examine the fluid.
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