What is Paracentesis?

Paracentesis is a simple medical procedure used to remove excess fluid from the abdomen, especially in people with liver diseases such as cirrhosis. When the liver is not working properly, fluid can build up in the belly, causing swelling, discomfort, pain, and difficulty in breathing or moving. This condition is known as ascites.

Paracentesis helps relieve these symptoms by safely removing the fluid and, at the same time, helps doctors understand the cause of the fluid buildup.

Why Does Fluid Build Up in the Abdomen?

Fluid accumulation in the abdomen is often a result of advanced liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. Cirrhosis leads to increased pressure in the liver’s blood vessels, causing fluid to leak into the abdomen. Other reasons for ascites may include:

• Liver failure or advanced liver disease
• Heart failure
• Kidney problems
• Cancer affecting the liver or abdominal organs
• Infections in the abdomen

However, liver-related ascites is the most common cause, and it requires proper medical care.

When is Paracentesis Needed?

Paracentesis is recommended when:

• There is severe abdominal swelling causing pain or difficulty in breathing.
• Doctors suspect an infection or cancer in the fluid.
• The cause of ascites needs to be diagnosed.
• Medications are not helping reduce the swelling.
• Regular fluid removal is required to make the patient more comfortable.

It is a standard procedure that helps both in diagnosis and symptom management.

How is Paracentesis Done?

Paracentesis is a relatively quick and safe procedure performed by experienced liver specialists like Dr. Tushar Madke at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. The steps are as follows:

1. Preparation:
   The patient’s abdomen is cleaned with antiseptic, and a small area is numbed with local anesthesia to avoid pain.
2. Needle Insertion:
   A thin needle or catheter is carefully inserted through the skin into the abdomen where the fluid has accumulated.
3. Fluid Removal:
   The excess fluid is drained slowly and safely. Sometimes only a small amount is removed for testing, while in other cases, a larger amount may be removed to reduce discomfort.
4. Sample Testing:
   A part of the fluid may be sent to the laboratory to check for infection, cancer cells, or other causes of ascites.

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes and may be done on an outpatient basis or as part of hospital care.

Is Paracentesis Safe?

Paracentesis is generally considered a safe and effective procedure when performed by trained doctors. The risks are low but may include:

• Bleeding at the needle site
• Infection
• Low blood pressure
• Leakage of fluid from the insertion site

Your doctor, like Dr. Tushar Madke, will take all necessary precautions, monitor you during the procedure, and explain how to care for the site afterward to reduce risks.

What to Expect After the Procedure

After paracentesis, you may feel lighter and more comfortable, especially if a large amount of fluid was removed. Some people might feel mild soreness or bruising at the site, which usually resolves in a few days.

Doctors will guide you about:

• Drinking enough water and maintaining a balanced diet
• Monitoring signs of infection, such as fever or redness
• When to come for follow-up tests or repeat procedures
• Managing underlying liver disease with proper medications and lifestyle changes

How Paracentesis Helps Improve Quality of Life

For patients with advanced liver disease, paracentesis offers significant relief by:

✅ Reducing abdominal swelling and pain
✅ Improving breathing and appetite
✅ Allowing better sleep and daily functioning
✅ Helping doctors understand and manage liver disease more effectively

It is an important part of comprehensive liver care and is often combined with medication, diet control, and lifestyle changes to achieve the best results.

Expert Care at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune

At Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, paracentesis is performed with the highest standard of care by Dr. Tushar Madhav Madke, a Consultant in the Transplant Hepatology Department.

Dr. Madke has extensive experience in liver diseases, including management of ascites, critical care in liver failure, and transplant hepatology. He completed his DM in Hepatology from ILBS, New Delhi, and has worked in advanced centers across India. His approach combines medical expertise with compassion, ensuring that every patient is treated with dignity and respect.

He is also actively involved in educating doctors and patients about liver health, including conditions like MASLD, cirrhosis, and ascites.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you or a loved one is experiencing:
✔ Unexplained abdominal swelling
✔ Pain or discomfort in the belly
✔ Shortness of breath
✔ Unintentional weight gain or loss
✔ Fatigue and weakness

It’s important to consult a hepatologist like Dr. Tushar Madke for a proper diagnosis and timely treatment.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief and Better Liver Health

Paracentesis is a safe and helpful procedure that brings comfort and clarity to patients suffering from liver disease-related fluid buildup. At Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, you are in expert hands.

📞 Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tushar Madke today and get personalized care for your liver health.