Thoracentesis: Why It Is Done
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Why It Is Done
Thoracentesis may be done to:
- Determine the cause of excess pleural fluid (pleural effusion).
- Relieve shortness of breath and pain caused by a pleural effusion.
| Last updated: | March 21, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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