What is thoracentesis?
Thoracentesis is a puncture test of the chest wall for the removal of fluid and/or air from the pleural space (outer space of the lungs), using a thin hollow needle or catheter.
What does thoracentesis consist of?
The test begins with the application of anesthesia in the back area, where the pleural puncture will take place. This puncture consists of inserting the needle above the rib into the pleural space to extract a sample of the fluid that will be analyzed in the laboratory.
Why is thoracentesis performed?
Normally, the test is performed with the aim of analyzing a sample of the excessive fluid causing pleural effusions, but also other causes such as lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, pancreatitis, etc.
Preparation for thoracentesis
No preparation is required for thoracentesis, but a chest x-ray is required before and after the test.
What does the test feel like?
During the test, you will feel a stinging sensation when the local anesthetic is injected and then you may feel pressure or pain in the area when the needle is inserted into the pleural space (the space between the chest wall and the tissue covering the organs of the chest wall).
In addition, it is necessary that the patient does not cough or move during the procedure as this may cause damage to the lung. If chest pain or shortness of breath is felt, this should be brought to the attention of the specialist.
Significance of abnormal thoracentesis results
Once the pleural fluid has been analyzed, if the results are abnormal, they may mean:
- Cirrhosis
- Cancer
- Infection
- Heart failure
- Malnutrition
- Inflammation
- Kidney disease