A thoracentesis is a medical procedure in which doctors insert a needle into the pleural space in the chest cavity in order to remove fluid for testing or relief of pressure.
The pleural space is the area between the pleura, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers the lung and the chest wall. When there is an accumulation of fluid in this space, it is a condition in consideration as “pleural effusion”. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including infection, inflammation, heart failure, and cancer.
A thoracentesis is usually important in order to collect a sample of the fluid for testing in order to determine the cause of the effusion. In some cases, the procedure may be in use to remove a large amount of fluid to relieve pressure on the lungs and make breathing easier.
The procedure is generally safe and complications are rare. The most common complication is pneumothorax, which is a puncture of the lung that can cause it to collapse.
Well, don’t feel hesitant as here we are covering all the related information in detail. Let’s have a look!
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Who might need a thoracentesis?
A thoracentesis may be recommended for someone who has a pleural effusion that is causing shortness of breath or other symptoms. A thoracentesis may also be performed to help diagnose the cause of a pleural effusion.
In some cases, a thoracentesis is performed as part of a therapeutic procedure known as pleurodesis. This procedure is used to treat a recurrent pleural effusion or to prevent the formation of a pleural effusion in someone who is at high risk for developing one.
Along with it, thoracentesis is in consideration for:
- For diagnosing the cause of the new pleural effusion
- In order to improve comfort
- For cancer diagnosis or improving cancer symptoms
- For diagnosing a suspected infection
Preparing for a thoracentesis:
Most people feel nervous before having a medical procedure. This is normal and understandable. Learning as much as you can about the procedure can often help ease your anxiety:
- You will likely be asked to sign a consent form before the procedure. This form gives your permission for the procedure to be done.
- You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that might get in the way. You will be given a gown to wear during the procedure.
- After it, you will be asked to sit or lie down on an exam table. Your doctor will clean an area on your back with a sterile solution.
- A local anesthetic will be injected to numb the area. You may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted.
- Once the area is numb, your doctor will insert a thin needle between your ribs and into the space around your lung. You may feel some pressure when the doctor inserts the needle. Fluid will be withdrawn through the needle and collected in a container. The procedure usually takes 10-15 minutes.
After the procedure, you will be asked to stay in the hospital for a while as per the severity of the condition. This is important so that the staff can monitor you for any complications. You may have some soreness around the needle insertion site. You can take over-the-counter pain medicine for this. Ice packs can also help.
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Things to consider during recovery:
You will be able to go home after a short time. You will need someone to drive you home because of the local anesthesia. Recovery plays a big role so be ready for it as well:
- You should avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 24 hours after the procedure.
- You will receive instructions on how to care for the needle insertion site. Also, you will receive a date for a follow-up visit.
- Make sure to take the prescribed medication on time.
There are many signs of improvement of pneumonia and collapsed lung.
The risk with thoracentesis:
The most common complication is pneumothorax, which is when the lung collapses. This can usually be treatable with a chest tube.
Other potential complications include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Collapsed lung
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Thoracentesis is a relatively safe procedure, but as with any medical procedure, there are some risks in involvement. These risks are important to discuss with your doctor prior to the procedure.
Whom to approach for the procedure?
If you are looking for a doctor to get thoracentesis, don’t worry and visit Jaipur. Here, Dr. Pankaj Gulati is a highly experienced and well-qualified pulmonologist in Jaipur who has been practicing for years. He has a wide range of experience in performing such thoracic treatments and has an excellent success rate. He is highly knowledgeable and skilled in performing thoracentesis and has successfully performed this procedure on thousands of patients.
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FAQ:
Q.1 Are you put to sleep for thoracentesis?
In most cases, doctors perform thoracentesis using local anesthesia, meaning you will be awake during the procedure.
Q.2 Do you need to be hospitalized for thoracentesis?
A thoracentesis is usually done as an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home the same day. But in some cases, you may need to stay in the hospital for a short time.
Q.3 What can you not do after thoracentesis?
There are a few things that you cannot do after thoracentesis:
- You cannot drink alcohol for 24 hours. This is because alcohol can thin your blood and increase bleeding.
- One cannot take aspirin or ibuprofen for 24 hours. These medications can also thin your blood and increase bleeding.
- You cannot take a bath or swim for 24 hours. This is to prevent infection.
Q.4 Is thoracentesis in consideration as a major surgery?
A thoracentesis is a medical procedure in which doctors insert a needle into the pleural space in order to remove fluid or air from the thoracic cavity. This procedure is generally in consideration to be a minor surgery, although one may also consider it a major surgery depending on the individual case. The risks and complications in link with a thoracentesis are generally low, but can include pneumothorax, infection, and bleeding.
Q.6 How many times can you have thoracentesis?
The number of times a person can have a thoracentesis depends on several factors, including the reason for the procedure and the individual’s overall health. In most cases, thoracentesis can be safely in consideration again if necessary.