What is thoracentesis?

Answer 1

Thoracentesis/thoracocentesis (aka Pleural Fluid Sampling) is a diagnostic or therapeutic surgical procedure that is used to treat a pneumothorax or pleural effusion. The procedure requires that a doctor uses a needle or catheter tube, which is inserted into the space, sac or pleural cavity, which surrounds the lung, whereby aspirate and remove the air and/or fluid from the pleura. The space surround the lung is between the lining on the outside of the lung and the chest wall. This is a critical procedural skill that is needed by hospital emergency staff, critical care and emergency room physicians. Whereby, removing the excess fluid that can relive pressure which prevents the ability to breathe freely; the fluid can be analyzed (lab tested) for a serious infection, cancer or other lung disease; knowing the type of infection, cancer or lung disease can assist in patient's treatment and/or cure.

A hemothorax (bleeding) can also be the result of a thoracetesis; the most common cause for a hemothorax is trauma to the chest; i.e., crushing or an open chest wound. Also, a critically ill patient may develop an accumulation of fluid around one or both of their lungs, which can be the result of a number of progressive diseases. Fluid can also develop as a result of an injury, in either case; treatment may be needed with medications or by drainage. In some cases, fluids can begin to reaccumulate; the treatment (draining) will need to be repeated.

Signs and symptoms of thoracentesis can vary from mild to serious; there may also be asymptomatic (NO symptoms). Some of the more obvious symptoms are shortness of breath (dyspnea/dyspnoea), pleural pressure, coughing, discomfort, tightness, pain... It can cause lack of oxygen in the blood, blue skin and lips, as the lungs cannot expand and absorb enough oxygen. A therapeutic thoracentesis is often the first step in managing a pneumothorax or pleural effusion. Effusions used to drain-off the fluid and blood formed a malignancy (such as, malignant mesothelioma), generally the symptoms and lung function may improve after an aspiration, but additional follow-up, even repeated treatments will more than likely be needed.

This procedure is relativity simple, but it may also require the use of an ultrasound probe to be used; using an ultrasound machine to perform this procedure will lessen the chance of complications that can result during the procedure. An ultrasound will assist the doctor during the procedure; it will help the doctor seek an appropriate placement of the needle/tube catheter, leading to a successful treatment in draining the fluid or releasing trapped air. The use of an ultrasound allows the doctor to see the effected space, its location and depth, the amount of fluid or air that is trapped…

The treatment can cause discomfort, even anxiety and pain; but NOT having the treatment is more dangerous. Your doctor will give you medications that will help make the thoracentesis procedure easier. He/she may be prescribed medications that will help you to relax, as well as a pain medication (oral, intravenous, and topical medications can be used); these medications can relieve your anxiety and pain.

If you develop any negative or questionable symptoms after this type of surgical procedure, anything that concerns or alarms you; you must call 911 or your doctor immediately. Sometimes the lung is unable to re-expand or deflate after a thoracentesis and further medical care may be needed. Contact your doctor if you have further questions.

Answer 2

For two reasons i) to get a sample of fluid from chest for culture, microscopic examination and biochemical analysis for diagnosis.

ii) to get rid of excessive fluid from the chest as it is compromising the breathing by compressing the lungs.

Answer 3

Also known as pleural tap. It is a procedure done to remove fluid or air from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.