Thoracentesis

What is Thoracentesis?

Thoracentesis is a procedure that removes fluid or air from the lungs. The pleural space is reached by passing a needle through the chest wall. The narrow space that exists between the inner chest wall and the lung’s pleura is known as the pleural space. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs. A small amount of fluid exists inside the gap. The fluid keeps the pleura from grinding together when you breathe. Pleural effusion refers to the presence of excess fluid in the pleural space. Breathing becomes more difficult because the lungs are unable to expand to their full capacity. Pain and dyspnea may result from this. Physical activity may exacerbate these problems.

Why is Thoracentesis Done?

Thoracentesis is performed for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes or both, that is, to improve your symptoms that are related to fluid buildup around your lungs or to obtain a sample of this fluid. Common reasons to have thoracentesis done include:

Infection: If the healthcare provider believes an individual has an infection (for example, bacterial infection) that leads to a pleural effusion, they will take a sample of the fluid from the individual chest. Several tests on the pleural fluid can assist in determining the reason behind the infection.
Cancer: If cancer is possibly causing pleural effusion, your provider can perform a procedure to obtain some of the fluid and examine it under a microscope for signs of cancer.
Symptom relief: For instance, if you are having trouble breathing due to pleural effusion, your provider can drain some of it to ease your breathing.

Who Might Need Thoracentesis?

Thoracentesis may be performed to determine the etiology of the pleural effusion. By draining fluid, pleural effusion symptoms can also be managed. After that, a lab examines the fluid. Thoracentesis is useful in the diagnosis of conditions like:

Certain types of high blood pressure (pulmonary hypertension)
Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis)
Kidney or liver disease
Tuberculosis (TB)
Congestive heart failure
Pneumonia or lung infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal)
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus/SLE) and other autoimmune diseases
Blood clots in your lungs (pulmonary embolism)
Cancer

Factors that affect the cost of Thoracentesis in India

Hospital or clinic’s location
Medication costs
Patient Condition
Duration of treatment
The expertise and experience of medical professionals

How is the Treatment Performed?

Blood pressure and pulse oximetry checked
Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan) to locate fluid
Patient wears gown and removes accessories
Position: sitting on chair or bed with arms on table
Local anesthesia administered; unconscious sedation for children
Needle inserted between ribs
Catheter used to drain fluid
Patient may be asked to remain still or control breathing
Once done, needle removed and area dressed
Follow-up X-ray or ultrasound may be performed
Duration: ~15 minutes (longer if fluid volume is large)

Thoracentesis Post-Op Care

Nurse monitors blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate
Wound inspected before discharge
Post-intubation coughing for up to one hour as lungs normalize

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Thoracentesis a Major Surgery?
A: Thoracentesis is not regarded as a serious surgery. Minimally invasive with reduced risks and faster recovery.

Q: What Is the Purpose of the Thoracentesis Procedure?
A: Extract air or fluid from the thoracic cavity for therapeutic or diagnostic reasons.

Q: During a Thoracentesis, What Fluid Is Removed?
A: Pleural fluid.

Q: What Is a Normal Amount of Pleural Fluid?
A: The pleural space in a healthy human contains 10 to 20 mL of fluid with low protein concentration (<1.5 g/dL).