Paracentesis: Why It Is Done
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Why It Is Done
Paracentesis may be done to:
- Find the cause of fluid buildup in the belly.
- Diagnose an infection in the peritoneal fluid.
- Check for certain types of cancer, such as liver cancer.
- Remove a large amount of fluid that is causing pain or difficulty breathing or that is affecting how the kidneys or the intestines (bowel) are working.
- Check for damage after a belly injury.
| Last updated: | November 04, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Monica Rhodes |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Editors: | Maria Essig, Tracy Landauer |
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