Paracentesis is a procedure that removes fluid from the abdomen. It may be used to relieve pressure from ascites, test the fluid for infection or other causes, and guide treatment for liver disease or related conditions.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG | Updated 06-01-2026Paracentesis removes fluid from the space around the abdominal organs. The procedure is often used when ascites causes swelling, tightness, breathing difficulty, or discomfort.
Your gastroenterologist may also send the fluid to a lab to check for infection, protein levels, cancer cells, or clues about why the fluid developed.
Paracentesis may be recommended for new or worsening ascites, especially in patients with cirrhosis or unexplained abdominal fluid.
Ultrasound can identify where fluid is located and guide a safer access point. This helps reduce the chance of injury to nearby organs or blood vessels.
The skin is cleaned and numbed before fluid is removed through a small needle or catheter.
Fluid is removed and tested to help identify infection or the cause of ascites.
A larger amount of fluid may be removed to reduce pressure, tightness, or breathing discomfort.
Results and symptoms guide the next steps for liver, kidney, heart, or abdominal fluid management.
Symptoms that may require evaluation include rapid belly swelling, tight abdominal pressure, shortness of breath, poor appetite, nausea, weight gain from fluid, or discomfort from ascites.
After paracentesis, your care team may monitor your blood pressure, check the puncture site, review fluid results if testing was done, and discuss next steps for ascites management.
Ultrasound helps identify the safest fluid pocket, avoid nearby organs and blood vessels, and improve accuracy during the procedure.
Paracentesis can relieve symptoms and help evaluate ascites, but it does not cure cirrhosis. Prognosis depends on liver function, infection risk, kidney function, and response to treatment.
Paracentesis is a procedure that removes fluid from the abdomen. Gastroenterologists may use it to relieve pressure, test the fluid, and guide treatment for ascites.
See a gastroenterologist for increasing abdominal swelling, painful tightness, trouble breathing, fever, confusion, reduced urination, or symptoms that worsen despite medication.
Therapeutic paracentesis may be recommended when ascites causes significant discomfort, pressure, shortness of breath, poor appetite, or reduced daily function.
In many hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and new or worsening ascites, diagnostic paracentesis is often performed early to check for infection and guide treatment.
Most patients feel pressure or brief stinging from local numbing medicine. The procedure is usually well tolerated, but soreness can occur afterward.
Fluid may be tested for infection, protein level, albumin gradient, cell count, culture, and other markers based on your symptoms and medical history.