Highlights
- •Paracentesis relieves symptoms and improves outcomes in patients with ascites.
- •Paracentesis can be performed at the bedside.
- •Complication rates are low, but albumin must be used in cirrhotic ascites to prevent kidney injury.
- •Correct removal technique reduces incidence of leak after removal.
Abstract
Ascites refers to the collection of fluid in the abdomen. This occurs as a result
of several disease processes, including cirrhosis, heart failure, and malignancy.
Ascites refractory to fluid restriction and diuretics is commonly managed with regular
abdominal paracentesis. This review provides an overview of the indications for paracentesis,
complication rates, correct performance of the procedure, drainage of fluid, removal
of the drain, and minimization of complications.
Keywords
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Biography
Brendan Smith-Hanratty RN MN, PGCert, is a clinical nurse educator with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia, and can be contacted at [email protected]
Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 03, 2023
Footnotes
In compliance with standard ethical guidelines, the author reports no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest.
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