Why would someone need a thoracentesis?
This procedure is done to remove excess fluid, known as a pleural effusion, from the pleural space to help you breathe easier. It may be done to determine the cause of your pleural effusion. Some conditions such as heart failure, lung infections, and tumors can cause pleural effusions.
Is a thoracentesis a major surgery?
Thoracentesis is usually considered a minimally invasive surgery, which means it does not involve any major surgical cuts or incisions and is typically performed under local anesthesia. It is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lungs and chest wall or pleural space.
How is thoracentesis performed?
Your doctor will perform a thoracentesis by inserting a hollow needle or catheter into the space between two ribs in your back. This space between two ribs is called the intercostal space. The procedure typically takes place under local anesthesia.
Is thoracentesis painful?
You may feel discomfort or pain in your shoulder or the area where the needle was inserted. This might happen toward the end of your procedure. It should go away when the procedure is finished, and you shouldn’t need medication for it.
How many times can you get a thoracentesis?
Depending on the rate of fluid reaccumulation and symptoms, patients are required to undergo thoracentesis from every few days to every 2–3 weeks.
Can thoracentesis cause death?
Patients undergoing thoracentesis for pleural effusion have high short and long-term mortality. Patients with malignant effusion had the highest mortality followed by multiple benign etiologies, CHF and renal failure. Bilateral pleural effusion is distinctly associated with high mortality.
How many times can a thoracentesis be done?
What are the complications of thoracentesis?
What are the risks of thoracentesis?
- Air in the space between the lung covering (pleural space) that causes the lung to collapse (pneumothorax)
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Liver or spleen injury (rare)
What kind of doctor performs thoracentesis?
The following specialists perform thoracentesis: Pulmonologists specialize in the medical care of people with breathing problems and diseases and conditions of the lungs. Pediatric pulmonologists specialize in the medical care of infants, children and adolescents with diseases and conditions of the lungs.
How long does thoracentesis pain last?
Your chest may be sore where the doctor put the needle or catheter into your skin (the procedure site). This usually gets better after a day or two. You can go back to work or your normal activities as soon as you feel up to it.
How long does it take to recover from thoracentesis?
How long can you live with thoracentesis?
The short-term mortality in patients undergoing thoracentesis for pleural effusion is high, with over 20% of patients dying within 30- days.