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Abdominocentesis
Abdominocentesis is the process of removing
excess fluid (known as ascites) from the peritoneal
cavity of the abdomen by puncturing it with a hollow
needle (known as an ascetic drain) for relief and/or
diagnostic purposes. The peritoneal cavity is the
potential space between the two membranes that
separate the organs in the wall of the abdomen
from the abdominal cavity. The abdominal cavity
holds the bulk of the organs in the human body.
Depiction of abdominocentesis.
A build up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity will cause the abdomen to appear swollen.
Abdominocentesis is a form of paracentesis in which a hollow needle is used to drain
excess fluid from a body cavity.
Abdominocentesis is a procedure that is used with humans but is also used in veterinary
medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Usually, only one needle is required
but sometimes more (e.g., up to four) are needed. After the sample is taken, the cells are
sent for an analysis (known as a cytological analysis) to determine if there are
abnormalities. Abdominocentesis is also known as abdominal paracentesis,
celiocentesis and celioparacentesis. Abdominocentesis comes from the Latin word
“abdomen” meaning “belly” and the Greek word “kentesis” meaning “puncture.” Put the
words together and you have “belly puncture.”
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