Pleural Tap (Thoracentesis)
Care Before the Procedure
- Inform your doctor about blood thinners, bleeding disorders, or allergies.
- Chest imaging (X-ray or ultrasound) may be done to locate fluid.
- Fast if sedation is planned.
- Arrange someone to accompany you if needed.
Care During the Procedure
- The patient usually sits upright or leans forward.
- The chest area is cleaned and draped with sterile sheets.
- Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area.
- A needle or catheter is inserted to drain fluid, often guided by ultrasound.
- Fluid may be sent to the lab for analysis.
Care After the Procedure
- Apply sterile dressing and monitor for bleeding.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
- Monitor for shortness of breath, chest pain, or fever.
- Report persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty breathing immediately.
- Follow-up imaging or tests may be done to assess fluid reaccumulation.
Eligibility
- Patients with fluid accumulation in the pleural space (pleural effusion).
- Suspected infection in the pleural fluid (empyema).
- Cancer-related pleural effusion for diagnosis or symptom relief.
- Patients with shortness of breath or chest discomfort due to fluid.
- Inform your doctor about blood thinners, bleeding disorders, or allergies.
- Chest imaging (X-ray or ultrasound) may be done to locate fluid.
- Fast if sedation is planned.
- Arrange someone to accompany you if needed.
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.
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