Thoracentesis (remove fluid from lung)
Description
A procedure done to remove fluid from the space between the lung and the chest wall. Normally this area contains very little fluid. In disorders such as trauma, infection, and cancer fluid can build up in this space. This accumulation of fluid is called a pleural effusion. Removing this fluid can help a patient breath and diagnose the cause of the fluid. The fluid is removed by numbing the overlying skin of the chest and inserting a needle into the chest cavity.
Cost
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Common Complications
Pain at the needle insertion site. Infection and/or a collapse of the lung (pneumothorax) can occur. Rarely a blood vessel, nerve or the lung can be injured.
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