Thoracentesis

Original Editor - Reem Ramadan Top Contributors - Reem Ramadan
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The illustration shows a person having thoracentesis. The person sits upright and leans on a table. Excess fluid from the pleural space is drained into a bag.

Description[edit | edit source]

Thoracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing excessive fluid or air from the lungs by injecting a hollow needle through the chest wall and into the pleural space after the administration of local anesthesia. This procedure can be done in either a sitting or supine position depending on the patient's comfort and his underlying condition[1].

Indication[edit | edit source]

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. LeVasseur RA. Thoracentesis. In: Richardson JD, Bland KI, editors. The Mont Reid Surgical Handbook. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier; 2008. p. 835-838.