Paracentesis can help relieve ascites symptoms and provide fluid testing when abdominal swelling needs clearer diagnosis. GastroDoxs can review your symptoms and determine the next appropriate step.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG | Updated 06-01-2026Call or use online scheduling to begin an evaluation for abdominal fluid, ascites symptoms, or paracentesis planning.
Bring medication details, liver history, imaging reports, lab results, and a list of symptoms such as swelling, pain, or breathing difficulty.
Your doctor explains whether fluid testing, therapeutic drainage, additional lab work, or follow-up treatment is needed.
Call or book online. The GastroDoxs team can help confirm the right visit type, preparation needs, insurance information, and follow-up plan for paracentesis care.
Paracentesis may be used when abdominal fluid needs diagnosis, symptom relief, or both. Your doctor considers symptoms, medical history, imaging, blood tests, and fluid testing needs.
| Symptoms | Abdominal swelling, tightness, shortness of breath, pain, fever, poor appetite, nausea, or rapid fluid-related weight gain. |
| Testing goal | Remove and analyze fluid to check for infection, liver-related ascites, cancer-related fluid, or other causes. |
| Next steps | Your doctor may recommend medication changes, sodium guidance, repeat monitoring, infection treatment, or additional liver care. |
Ascites can occur from cirrhosis, cancer, heart failure, kidney disease, infection, or inflammation. You may need paracentesis if fluid causes symptoms or needs testing.
Look for clinicians experienced in ascites evaluation, ultrasound-guided procedures, liver disease care, medication review, fluid testing, and follow-up planning.
Paracentesis may be safe for some elderly patients, but heart function, blood pressure, kidney function, medications, and fluid balance must be reviewed first.
Paracentesis removes fluid from the abdomen. Thoracentesis removes fluid from around the lungs. The right procedure depends on where the fluid is located.
Yes. Diagnostic paracentesis can test ascitic fluid for infection, including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, which needs prompt treatment.
It can help. Fluid tests may point toward liver disease, infection, cancer, heart-related causes, or other conditions when reviewed with your medical history.
Some basic fluid results may be available relatively quickly, while cultures or specialized tests can take longer. Your care team explains expected timing.
Recurring ascites may require medication changes, sodium guidance, repeat drainage, liver evaluation, infection prevention, or additional treatment planning.
Paracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure, not major surgery. It uses a small needle or catheter to remove abdominal fluid.
Coverage depends on your plan, medical necessity, diagnosis, referral requirements, and benefits. The clinic can help confirm insurance details before scheduling.
Schedule an evaluation to review whether paracentesis, fluid testing, or additional treatment planning is appropriate.