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Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Thoracentesis complications

Introduction

Complications

Complications

Major complications-

Bleeding (intra thoracic or intra abdominal)

pneumothorax (3-30%),
hemopneumothorax,
hemorrhage
pleural space infection
puncture of diaphragm, spleen or liver (can be prevented by use of ultrasound guidance )
hypotension (low blood pressure due to a vasovagal response)
re-expansion pulmonary edema.(when large amounts of pleural fluid is removed, should not remove more than 1.5l/day)^[1]

Minor complications-

dry tap (no fluid return),
subcutaneous hematoma or seroma
pain at the site of needle insertion
anxiety, dyspnea and cough (after removing large volume of fluid)

References

References

↑ Aelony, Yossef (2005). “Thoracentesis Without Ultrasonic Guidance”. Journal of Bronchology. 12 (4): 200–202. doi:10.1097/01.lab.0000186678.71362.c0. ISSN 1070-8030.

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shaik Aisha sultana, [3]