Ascites Tap (Paracentesis)
Care Before the Procedure
- Empty your bladder before the procedure if instructed.
- Inform your doctor about blood thinners or bleeding disorders.
- Fast for a few hours if advised by your physician.
- Arrange someone to accompany you if sedation is planned.
Care During the Procedure
- You will lie on your back or slightly tilted.
- The abdomen is cleaned and draped with sterile sheets.
- Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area.
- A thin needle or catheter is inserted to drain fluid, sometimes guided by ultrasound.
- Fluid may be collected for lab testing while excess fluid is removed to relieve pressure.
Care After the Procedure
- Apply pressure and a sterile dressing at the puncture site.
- Rest and avoid heavy lifting for 24 hours.
- Monitor for bleeding, infection, or worsening abdominal pain.
- Report fever, persistent pain, swelling, or redness at the site.
- Follow-up may include blood tests or repeat imaging to assess fluid reaccumulation.
Eligibility
- Patients with painful or tense abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation.
- Liver disease patients with ascites (e.g., cirrhosis).
- Suspected infection in the abdominal fluid (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis).
- Cancer-related ascites to diagnose or relieve symptoms.
- Kidney disease or heart failure causing fluid buildup in the abdomen.
- Empty your bladder before the procedure if instructed.
- Inform your doctor about blood thinners or bleeding disorders.
- Fast for a few hours if advised by your physician.
- Arrange someone to accompany you if sedation is planned.
Featured Specialities
Our Speciality Services
Internal Medicine
Our Internal Medicine service offers both primary and specialist consultative care for adults with acute illnesses, chronic conditions and complex multisystem problems. With physicians who manage long-term diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and respiratory conditions, while also treating infections, injuries and musculoskeletal concerns. We offer consultant-led inpatient care through a dedicated hospitalist service and an Acute Medicine Unit with 24-hour doctor and nurse coverage, supported by round-the-clock diagnostics (radiology, pathology and microbiology). Advanced treatments include non-invasive ventilation, high-flow nasal oxygen, plasmapheresis and coordinated plasma therapies, together with integrated physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Our team works closely with surgical and speciality colleagues for complex cases, and we provide home-care, adult immunisation, preventive & executive health checks, and visa medicals for international patients.
More from KIMSHEALTH
