Skip to content
Mesothelioma.net
phone iconCall1-800-692-8608 chat icon Chat 24/7 Live Chat
Menu
  • Malignant Mesothelioma
    • About Mesothelioma
      • How to Survive Mesothelioma
      • 100 Questions & Answers about Mesothelioma (Free Book)
      • Symptoms
      • Diagnosis
      • Prognosis
      • Life Expectancy
    • Types
      • Pleural
      • Peritoneal
      • Epithelioid
      • Sarcomatoid
      • Biphasic
    • Stages
      • Stage 1
      • Stage 2
      • Stage 3
      • Stage 4
    • Additional Information
      • Causes
      • Asbestos and Its Dangers
      • Facts
      • Support
      • Financial Compensation
      • FREE Mesothelioma Packet
  • Treatment
    • Treatment Options
      • Surgery
      • Chemotherapy
      • Radiation Therapy
      • Multimodal Therapy
      • Medications
      • Palliative Treatment
    • Find Top Doctors
      • Doctors
      • Treatment Centers
      • Treatment & Doctors Near You
      • New Treatments
      • Care Providers
      • Clinical Trials
      • Costs
  • Asbestos Trusts
  • Compensation
  • Veteran Assistance
    • Mesothelioma and Veterans
      • VA Claims for Mesothelioma
      • Vietnam Veterans
    • Military Branches and Asbestos
      • Navy Veterans
      • Navy Ships
      • Marine Corps Veterans
      • Army Veterans
      • Air Force Veterans
      • U.S. Coast Guard
  • Surviving Mesothelioma
  • About Us / Contact
  • Home
  • ›
  • Malignant Mesothelioma
  • ›
  • Treatment
  • ›
  • Surgery
  • ›
  • Paracentesis
Page Updated: June 30, 2022

Paracentesis

Paul Sugarbaker, M.D. Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Paul Sugarbaker, M.D.

FREE Mesothelioma Packet

Fact Checked

This page has been fact checked by a Medical Doctor who specializes in mesothelioma. Sources of information are listed at the bottom of the article.

FREE Mesothelioma Packet

We make every attempt to keep our information accurate and up-to-date.

Please Contact Us with any questions or comments.

Paracentesis is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdominal cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma causes fluid buildup, called ascites, which results in pain, swelling, discomfort, and restricted mobility and activity. Paracentesis is a simple procedure used to relieve these symptoms and to collect a sample for diagnostic purposes.

FREE Mesothelioma Packet

What Is Paracentesis Used For?

The peritoneum is a double layer of tissue that surrounds the abdominal cavity and the organs inside. This layer is part of the mesothelium and is affected in some cases of mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is rare, peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of this cancer. Like pleural mesothelioma, which affects the mesothelium in the chest cavity, asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for peritoneal mesothelioma.

One of the potential complications of this cancer is a buildup of fluid between the two layers of the peritoneum. Called ascitic fluid, at normal levels, it provides lubrication and has an anti-inflammatory role. An abnormal buildup of the fluid is called ascites.[1]

The mesothelioma cells may cause this condition because they produce large amounts of ascitic fluid. Mesothelioma tumors can also clog up the cells in the abdominal wall, which would normally resorb the ascitic fluid.

Ascites is not only caused by peritoneal mesothelioma. It has more common causes, including cirrhosis of the liver or other advanced liver disease, congestive heart failure, and infections. Ascites can range from mild to severe.

When mild, it may be undetectable; however, as the condition worsens, it can cause severe distension or swelling of the abdomen. Patients with ascites describe feeling full all the time and a sense of heaviness and pressure. Ascites may also cause shortness of breath as the fluid presses against the diaphragm.[1]

The Paracentesis Procedure

A paracentesis is a relatively simple surgical procedure. This procedure only requires a local anesthetic and is performed by inserting a needle into the abdomen to drain the fluid. Paracentesis can be performed in the hospital or a doctor’s office.[2]

The needle may be inserted with the assistance of an imaging scan, such as an ultrasound. While imaging scans are not always necessary during the procedure, it helps avoid puncturing blood vessels or organs like the intestines.

When ascites is severe, the needle may be attached to a vacuum bottle. This allows as much as several liters of fluid to be drained from the abdomen. If large amounts of fluid must be drained, the patient may also receive intravenous fluids to prevent a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

The length of the procedure varies, depending on how much fluid must be drained. Typical times range between twenty and thirty minutes. Procedure recovery is quick, although a patient may stay in the doctor’s office or hospital for an hour or more for monitoring.

Paracentesis for Mesothelioma

A paracentesis may be done for a patient with mesothelioma for several reasons:[3]

  • If the patient has not yet been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the fluid withdrawn can serve as part of the diagnosis. A pathologist can examine the fluid for cancer cells.
  • This will allow doctors to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, rule it out, or find another underlying cause of the ascites.
  • Paracentesis is used in mesothelioma patients to relieve symptoms.
  • This procedure does not treat the cancer itself; instead, it treats the ascites, a complication of peritoneal mesothelioma. Draining the fluid reduces pain and discomfort and allows the patient to breathe more easily.

A patient at any stage of mesothelioma may receive paracentesis. Unfortunately, relief may only be temporary. Fluid often refills the cavity.

Over time, this fluid may fill in smaller spaces, making draining with paracentesis less effective. As peritoneal mesothelioma advances, controlling ascites may become increasingly difficult.

Potential Complications

The risks associated with paracentesis are low. The procedure is simple and does not require general anesthesia. Rare complications include infection, leaking at the needle insertion site, internal bleeding, puncturing blood vessels, low blood pressure, and perforation of organs like the stomach, bladder, or intestines.[2]

Another potential complication of paracentesis for cancer patients is seeding along the insertion site. This occurs when cancer cells line the area where the needle is inserted.

The abdomen can collect a significant amount of fluid, causing considerable discomfort. If you are living with peritoneal mesothelioma or have symptoms of ascites, a paracentesis may help.

This procedure can help your doctor make a diagnosis. It may also help you feel better once the fluid is removed. Talk to your doctor about your options. Ask questions about undergoing a paracentesis before deciding your next step.

Get Your FREE Mesothelioma Packet

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Paul Sugarbaker, M.D.

Paul Sugarbaker, M.D.

Dr. Paul Sugarbaker is a leading expert in surgical oncology. He specializes in the surgical treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, peritoneal mesothelioma, and peritoneal metastases. He developed and advanced an important treatment procedure for peritoneal cancers and metastases known as HIPEC. The innovative strategy uses surgery followed by the circulation of heated chemotherapy drugs in the abdomen. Dr. Sugarbaker currently heads up the Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program and the Center for Gastrointestinal Malignancies at Washington Hospital Center. He also works out of a private practice, Sugarbaker Oncology Associates.

Connect with Mesothelioma Doctor Paul Sugarbaker, M.D.
References
  1. MedlinePlus. (2018, June 21). Ascites.
    Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000286.htm
  2. Medscape. (2018, July 5). Paracentesis.
    Retrieved from: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/80944-overview#showall
  3. American Cancer Society. (2018, November 16). Palliative Procedures for Malignant Mesothelioma.
    Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/treating/palliative-procedures.html
View All References

Site Navigation

Home
Malignant Mesothelioma
How to Survive Mesothelioma
100 Questions & Answers about Mesothelioma (Free Book)
Surviving Mesothelioma - Beating the Odds (Free Book)
FREE Mesothelioma Packet
Symptoms
Shortness of Breath
Cough
Night Sweats and Fever
Weight Loss
Pain
Difficulty Swallowing
Fatigue and Muscle Weakness
Gastrointestinal Complications
Diagnosis
Pathology
Staging
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Metastasis and Progression
Brain Metastasis
Biopsy
miRview Test
Imaging
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Mesothelioma
Biomarkers and Blood Tests
Calretinin
Prognosis
Remission
Recurrence
Death Rate
Life Expectancy
Search for a Mesothelioma Cure
Types
Pleural
Peritoneal
Epithelioid
Sarcomatoid
Biphasic
Pericardial
Testicular
Cell Types
Rare Subtypes of Mesothelioma
Deciduoid
Desmoplastic
Heterologous
Lymphohistiocytoid
Well-Differentiated Papillary
Tubulopapillary
Small Cell
Benign
Adenomatoid
Cystic
Unresectable
Localized
Idiopathic
Omental
Causes
Risk Factors
Latest Research
Genetic Components
Incidence
Latency Period
Mesothelioma Tumor
Health Insurance Coverage
Related Conditions
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Cholangiocarcinoma
Atelectasis
Pleural Plaques
Pleural Thickening
Pleural Effusion
Peritoneal Effusion (Ascites)
Mesothelial Hyperplasia and Proliferation
Pleuritis and Pleurisy
COPD
Anemia
Breast Cancer
Prevention
Complications
Misdiagnosis
Mesothelioma Commercial
Talcum Baby Powder
Lawyer
Lawsuits
Class Action Lawsuits
Settlements
Simian Virus 40
Differences From Other Cancers
Lung Cancer
Women
Children and Young Adults
Unknown Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma Without Asbestos
Cause of Death
Facts 
History
Awareness
Government and Research
National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank
Support
What to Expect
Living with Mesothelioma
Help a Loved One
Wrong and Right Things to Say
Caregivers
Financial Tips
Faith
Nutrition and Lifestyle
Intimacy
Mesothelioma and Fertility in Men
Fertility in Women with Mesothelioma
Emotional Health
COVID-19
Assisted Living
Hospice Care
Dying from Mesothelioma
Mourning
Coping Guide for Children
End-of-Life Decisions
Mesothelioma Awareness Day
Compensation for Victims
Lawyer
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington D.C.
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Lawsuit
Settlements
Statute of Limitations
Treatment
Surgery
Side Effects
Pneumonectomy
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
Lobectomy
Pleurectomy/Decortication
Post Op Care
Pleurectomy/Decortication vs. Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
Peritonectomy/Cytoreductive Surgery
Thoracotomy
Thoracoscopy
Pericardiectomy
Wedge Resection
Pleurodesis
Pericardiocentesis
Prosthetics
Paracentesis
Thoracentesis
Chemotherapy
Side Effects
Heated Intraperitoneal
Radiation Therapy
Side Effects
Intensity-Modulated
Brachytherapy
Proton Therapy
Image-Guided
External Beam
Three-Dimensional
Multimodal Therapy
New Treatments
SMART Protocol
Gene Therapy
Suicide Gene Therapy
Tumor-Based p53 Therapy
Cryotherapy for Mesothelioma
Tumor Treating Fields
MicroRNA
Palliative Treatment
Osteopathic
Doctors
Treatment Centers
Treatment & Doctors Near You
Mesothelioma Experts
Medications
Alimta (pemetrexed)
Adriamycin (doxorubicin)
Avastin (bevacizumab)
Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
Gemzar (gemcitabine)
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)
Mitomycin
Navelbine (vinorelbine)
Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab)
Paraplatin (carboplatin)
Platinol (cisplatin)
Rheumatrex (methotrexate)
Sutent (sunitinib)
Taxol (paclitaxel)
Medical Marijuana
Care Providers
Clinical Trials
Anetumab Ravtansine
Atezolizumab
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell
Durvalumab
Immunotoxin
Interferon Alfa-2b
Onconase (Ranpirnase)
VISTA Protein
Costs
Immunotherapy
Nanotechnology
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Home Medical Equipment
HMGB1 Secretion
Photodynamic Therapy
Targeted Therapies
Apoptosis
Stem Cells
Lung Transplantation
Body-Based Therapies
Alternative Therapies
Paul Kraus’s Method
Doctors and Treatment in Canada
Asbestos Trusts
Veterans
VA Claims for Mesothelioma
Vietnam Veterans
Military Branches and Asbestos
Navy Veterans
Navy Ships
Aircraft Carriers
Battleships
Destroyers
Asbestos on Navy Cruisers
Submarines
Amphibious Ships
Minesweepers
Auxiliary Ships
Marine Corps Veterans
Army Veterans
Air Force Veterans
U.S. Coast Guard
Asbestos
Occupational Exposure
Construction Workers
Shipyard Workers
Ship Repair
Steel Mill Workers
Industrial Workers
Boiler Workers
Power Plant Workers
Firefighters
Automotive Workers
Roofers
Oil Refineries
Mining
Transportation Industry
Machine Operators
Farmers and Agricultural Workers
Migrant Workers
Electrical Wiring
Labor Unions
Prisons
Chimneys, Furnaces, and Wood Stoves
Fiberglass Connection to Mesothelioma
Home Remodeling
School Buildings, Teachers
For Tech Students
Cancer
Lung Cancer
Pleural Based Cancers
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits
Companies That Used Asbestos
Awareness and Education
Types of Asbestos & Mesothelioma Risk
Asbestosis
Interstitial Lung Disease
Smoking
Asbestos Ingestion
Exposure in a Natural Disaster
Ban Asbestos
Libby, Montana
Recycling Asbestos
Asbestos Detection
Legal Information by State
Canada
Mexico
United Kingdom
Australia
  • Malignant Mesothelioma
    • Treatment
    • Asbestos Trusts
  • Compensation
    • Veteran Assistance
    • Surviving Mesothelioma
  • FREE Mesothelioma Packet
    • Mesothelioma News
    • About Us / Contact
  • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Editorial Guidelines and Standards
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
The information provided by Mesothelioma.net is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Mesothelioma.net

5430 LBJ Freeway Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 75240

Serving mesothelioma victims nationwide

1-800-692-8608

  • facebook
  • twitter
© 2022 Mesothelioma.net