PLEUROCENTESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Pleurocentesis is a medical procedure that involves the removal of fluid or air from the chest cavity or pleural space, specifically through a needle or catheter. The pleural space is the small area between the lungs and the chest wall, which is normally filled with a small amount of lubricating fluid, allowing the lungs to expand and contract smoothly during breathing. However, certain conditions may cause an abnormal build-up of fluid or air in the pleural space, leading to respiratory difficulties and other complications.
In pleurocentesis, a healthcare professional numbs the area where the procedure will be performed using a local anesthetic. They then insert a needle or a catheter into the chest cavity, typically through the skin, between the ribs, and into the pleural space under the guidance of imaging techniques such as ultrasound. Once the needle or catheter is properly positioned, the excess fluid or air is carefully withdrawn through a syringe, allowing the lungs to expand more freely and relieving associated symptoms.
Pleurocentesis is mainly performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It can help diagnose conditions such as pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid), pneumothorax (air leakage), or empyema (pus accumulation). It is also a therapeutic intervention to alleviate symptoms caused by these conditions. Pleurocentesis may be done in a hospital or outpatient setting, and it generally carries a low risk of complications when performed by trained medical professionals.
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Operative puncture of the pleural cavity; paracentesis of the thorax.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLEUROCENTESIS
- pleuricentesis
- oleurocentesis
- lleurocentesis
- -leurocentesis
- 0leurocentesis
- pkeurocentesis
- ppeurocentesis
- poeurocentesis
- plwurocentesis
- plsurocentesis
- pldurocentesis
- plrurocentesis
- pl4urocentesis
- pl3urocentesis
- pleyrocentesis
- plehrocentesis
- plejrocentesis
- pleirocentesis
- ple8rocentesis
- ple7rocentesis
Etymology of PLEUROCENTESIS
The word "pleurocentesis" is derived from two Greek roots: "pleur-" meaning "side" or "rib" and "-centesis" meaning "puncture" or "surgical puncture". This term is typically used in medical contexts to refer to the procedure of removing fluid from the pleural cavity, the space between the lining of the lungs and the chest wall, through a puncture or thoracentesis.
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