Paracentesis

Your physician may recommend Paracentesis if:

• you are experiencing belly pressure or pain and/or trouble breathing
• an imaging test shows that there is a buildup of fluid in the belly (also called ascites).

You will be given detailed instructions by our staff before your procedure. You will need labs done prior to the procedure. Patients should notify staff if they are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners). Be sure to bring your insurance card, photo ID, list of current medications (dose and frequency) and any diagnostic testing results.

Before your procedure, the area is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic or special soap and you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once numb, your Interventional Radiologist will use Ultrasound as a guide to gently insert a fine, flexible stylette attached to a drainage tube (catheter) into your abdomen where the built-up fluid will be removed. The entire procedure should take less than an hour. Once complete, a small bandage will be placed over the injection site, your vitals will be checked and you should be able to resume your normal activities.

You may feel some pressure while the fluid is being removed. Other than that, you should not feel much pain. In fact, once the fluid is removed, you should be relieved of any pain, bloating and difficulty breathing that you had because of the excess fluid.

Before scheduling an appointment, you will need to get a referral from your physician. Once you have a referral, you can schedule an appointment by calling 703.698.4475 Monday through Friday 7am to 5pm.

Appointments are available at Fairfax Vascular Center Monday through Friday, 7am to 5pm. Learn more about this location.