Pleural Fluid Drainage Procedure (Thoracentesis/Pleurocentesis)

Posted on: November 19, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

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A thoracentesis, also referred to as pleurocentesis, is a medical technique designed to extract fluid from the pleural space within the chest cavity. While akin to pleurodesis, this procedure doesn’t entail a permanent closure of the pleural space. While it provides temporary relief from pleural effusions, the buildup of fluid might recur.

Key Steps in Thoracentesis:

1. Anesthetization of the skin at the designated procedure site is performed by medical professionals.
2. Utilizing an ultrasound machine for guidance, a hollow needle is carefully inserted into the chest cavity. The ultrasound assists in identifying lung structures and pinpointing fluid accumulation.
3. As per information from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a thoracentesis procedure for mesothelioma cases usually takes around 15 minutes. The duration could extend depending on the volume of fluid in the pleural space.
4. For diagnosing pleural mesothelioma, a thoracentesis might be employed to detect cancerous cells within the extracted fluid. Typically, patients recuperate fully within a week after thoracentesis and often can be discharged from the hospital on the same day as the procedure.
   
   If you are thinking about having a thoracentesis/pleurocentesis please consult your family and ofcourse your medical team.