THORACOCENTESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Thoracocentesis, also known as pleural tap or pleural aspiration, is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a needle or a catheter into the pleural cavity to obtain a sample of fluid or air for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The pleural cavity is the space between the two layers of the pleura, the thin membranes that surround the lungs.
During a thoracocentesis, the healthcare professional typically numbs the area where the needle or catheter will be inserted using a local anesthetic. Then, they carefully insert the needle or catheter through the chest wall between the ribs and into the pleural cavity. Once successfully positioned, they may extract and collect pleural fluid or release trapped air based on the underlying condition. The obtained fluid sample is then sent to a laboratory for further analysis, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various respiratory disorders, such as infections, cancers, or congestive heart failure.
Thoracocentesis may be performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In diagnostic cases, it helps identify the cause of symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or abnormal lung sounds. Therapeutically, the procedure aims to relieve symptoms by removing excess fluid or air from the pleural space, improving lung functionality and reducing discomfort.
Thoracocentesis is typically performed by trained healthcare professionals, such as pulmonologists, internists, or thoracic surgeons, and may be done at the bedside or in a specialized medical setting, depending on the complexity of the case. Overall, thoracocentesis is a crucial procedure that aids in the diagnosis and management of various respiratory conditions, providing valuable insights into the patient's health status.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THORACOCENTESIS
- rhoracocentesis
- fhoracocentesis
- ghoracocentesis
- yhoracocentesis
- 6horacocentesis
- 5horacocentesis
- tgoracocentesis
- tboracocentesis
- tnoracocentesis
- tjoracocentesis
- tuoracocentesis
- tyoracocentesis
- thiracocentesis
- thkracocentesis
- thlracocentesis
- thpracocentesis
- th0racocentesis
- th9racocentesis
- thoeacocentesis
Etymology of THORACOCENTESIS
The word "thoracocentesis" is derived from Greek roots.
"Thoraco-" comes from the Greek word "thórax", which means "chest" or "thorax".
"-centesis" comes from the Greek word "kénnēsis", which means "puncture" or "piercing".
Therefore, "thoracocentesis" refers to the medical procedure of puncturing the chest to remove fluid or air from the thoracic cavity.
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