Abdominal tap

This test may be done in a health care provider's office, treatment room, or hospital. The puncture site will be cleaned and hair clipped, if necessary. You then receive a local numbing medicine. The tap needle is inserted 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) into the abdomen. Sometimes, a small cut is made to help insert the…

Let your provider know if you: Have any allergies to medicines or numbing medicine Are taking any medicines (including herbal remedies) Have any bleeding problems Might be pregnant

You may feel a slight sting from the numbing medicine, or pressure as the needle is inserted. If a large amount of fluid is taken out, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Normally, the abdominal cavity contains only a small amount of fluid if any. In certain conditions, large amounts of fluid can build up in this space. An abdominal tap can help diagnose the cause of fluid buildup or the presence of an infection. It may also be done to remove a large amount of fluid to reduce belly…

Normally, there should be little or no fluid in the abdominal space.

An exam of abdominal fluid may show: Cancer that has spread to the abdominal cavity ( most often cancer of the ovaries ) Cirrhosis of the liver Damaged bowel Heart failure Infection Kidney disease Pancreatic disease (inflammation or cancer)

There is a slight chance that the needle could puncture the bowel, bladder, or a blood vessel in the abdomen. If a large quantity of fluid is removed, there is a slight risk of lowered blood pressure and kidney problems. You may receive certain IV medicines after the test if you are at high risk for this problem.…

Alarcon LH. Paracentesis and diagnostic peritoneal lavage. In: Vincent J-L, Moore FA, Bellomo R, Marini JJ, eds. Textbook of Critical Care . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap E10. McNaught C. Practical procedures and patient investigation. In: Garden JO, Parks RW, Wigmore SJ, eds. Principles and Practice…