paracentesis /per′əsentē″sis/ [Gk, para + kentesis, puncturing] , a procedure in which fluid is withdrawn from a body cavity. An incision is made in the skin, and a hollow trocar, cannula, or catheter is passed through the incision into the cavity to allow outflow of fluid into a collecting device. Paracentesis is most commonly performed to remove excessive accumulations of ascitic fluid from the abdomen. Strict asepsis is followed. The patient needs to empty the bladder before this procedure to decrease the risk of bladder trauma. The patient is assessed for any adverse reaction.
