What is the procedure?

When you arrive, a nurse will sit down with you to discuss your medical history, including current medications you may be taking, and any medicine allergies you may have. You will be asked to undress and will put on a gown. The nurse will help you get comfortable on an exam cart. Your blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen saturation will be monitored before, during and after the procedure.

A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have, and after your procedure is finished, the nurse will give you written discharge instructions. You may resume your usual diet and activities unless stated otherwise the by the physician.

When performed by a knowledgeable and competent doctor, paracentesis has a very low risk of complication. Very rarely, bleeding or perforation of the bowel may occur. Other risks include shock, infection, a reaction to medications used, or complications due to other medical problems that you may already have. Death from this procedure is extremely rare, but the possibility does exist.