OVERVIEW
Before the start of a paracentesis, ultrasound should be used to scan for and evaluate the patient’s degree of ascites. It is important to realize that in some cases the patient may not actually have any ascites, or may not have a large enough volume of ascites to tap. This makes scanning the patient for ascites BEFORE starting the procedure very useful.
HOW TO SCAN FOR ASCITES PRIOR TO A PARACENTESIS
This video covers some of the main aspects that should be considered when scanning a patient for ascites prior to a paracentesis.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SCANNING FOR A PARACENTESIS KEY MEASUREMENTS
It is important to remember that when scanning for a paracentesis that one should make a few key measurements. These include measuring the distance the needle will need to travel before reaching the ascites fluid, as well as the depth the needle will need to travel to reach the other edge of the ascites collection (i.e. the point at which it could damage internal structures).
Page Updated: 09.29.2019