Does the stomach fill with water? Shall we learn about paracentesis?

Have you ever felt like your stomach is swollen and bloated like a balloon filled with water? Do you find it hard to breathe and feel like you can't eat or drink properly? This could be because your abdominal cavity is filled with abnormal amounts of water. In medicine, this condition is called ascites. So today we are going to talk about a simple, yet very important medical procedure to remove this accumulated water. That is paracentesis.

Simply put, what is paracentesis?

Paracentesis is a procedure that removes excess fluid (water) from your abdomen, or abdominal cavity. Imagine that the organs inside your abdomen, such as your liver and intestines, are surrounded by a thin layer of two membranes. This is called the peritoneum. This fluid, called ascites, collects in the space between these two membranes.

In this treatment, a doctor uses a thin needle and a small plastic tube (catheter) attached to it to remove this accumulated water. It's like draining water from a tank. When the water is removed in this way, the pressure and discomfort in the stomach, such as bloating, are greatly reduced.

Why is this treatment being done?

This is done for two main reasons: one for diagnosis , and the other as a treatment .

• Diagnostic Paracentesis: Simply put, to find out why the abdomen is full of fluid. The doctor removes a sample of the fluid and sends it to a lab. The test results will help determine the exact cause of the condition.
• Therapeutic Paracentesis: This is done to relieve the discomfort caused by fluid in the abdomen. Often, doctors resort to this treatment when diuretics or a low-salt diet fail to control the condition.

How do you prepare for this?

This is not a major surgery, but you will need to prepare a little beforehand. Your doctor will explain everything to you.

• Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your past illnesses, surgeries, and allergies. It is important to let them know if you are pregnant.
• Advice on medication: If you are taking blood thinners like `(Aspirin)` or `(Warfarin),` your doctor may advise you to stop taking those medications for a few days. Your doctor may also advise you to stop taking painkillers `(NSAIDs)` or some medications for diabetes. It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions.
• Fasting: You will be advised to refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before treatment.

What happens during treatment?

This can be done at the doctor's office or in the hospital. It is best to urinate and empty your bladder before the treatment.

1. Preparing you: First, you will be made to lie down on the bed.

2. Cleaning and numbing: After that, the piercing site is cleaned thoroughly and the area is numbed . A small injection is given for this. When it is pierced, it feels a little painful, like being bitten by an ant, but after that, there is no pain in that area.

3. Inserting the catheter: The doctor will often use an ultrasound scan to see exactly where the water is. Then, through the puncture site, the catheter and a small plastic tube (catheter) attached to it will be slowly inserted into the abdomen.

4. Removing the water: Then use a syringe or a vacuum bottle to remove the water. If you have several liters of water to remove, use this vacuum bottle to speed up the process.

5. Removing the stinger and bandaging: Once the water is drained, the stinger is removed, pressure is applied to the area to stop the bleeding, and a clean bandage is applied.

Does this hurt? How long will it take?

You may feel a little pain when you get the numbing injection, but you won't feel much pain when the water is removed. However, you may feel a little pressure or discomfort in your stomach. If you feel any discomfort or dizziness, don't be afraid to tell the doctor or nurse there.

This process usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes . It varies depending on the amount of fluid being removed. For diagnostic purposes, a small amount, about 25 milliliters, is taken. For treatment, sometimes 5 liters or more can be removed.

How to be careful when you go home?

It is best to rest for the first 24 hours after treatment. Your doctor will advise you on how to care for the wound.

• Wound care: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before changing the bandage. Tell your doctor if the wound becomes red, swollen, or oozing pus.
• Diet: You will need to reduce salt in your diet, as salt increases water retention in the body.
• Medication: Take the diuretics prescribed by your doctor exactly on time.
• Cleanliness: Do not let the wound get wet until it heals. Therefore, it is better to avoid bathing and take a sponge bath.

When should you seek immediate medical advice?

Complications are very rare, but it is important to act quickly if any risk symptoms arise.

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