Thoracentesis

What is Thoracentesis?

The purpose of a thoracentesis is to extract a fluid sample from the pleural space to see if it contains signs of infection or if mesothelioma cells are present. One of the symptoms that patients with mesothelioma cancer can exhibit is pleural effusion, or a buildup of fluid around the lungs in the chest cavity. If a patient presents with this condition, or signs of pleural thickening, their doctor may order a thoracentesis. A thoracentesis, also known as pleurocentesis, is a test to determine what the cause of the fluid buildup might be.
Both the lungs and the chest cavity are lined with a thin tissue known as the pleura. The area between the lungs and the chest is named the pleural space. If an unusually large amount of fluid begins to collect in the pleural space, doctors will need to investigate the cause. It may be the result of pneumonia, problems with the heart or cancer such as mesothelioma. Sometimes the fluid buildup creates discomfort and can make breathing difficult or labored. In this situation, a thoracentesis is performed to drain the excess fluid in order to make the patient more comfortable.

What to Expect if Your Doctor Orders a Thoracentesis

A thoracentesis is considered to be a semi-invasive procedure and generally requires only localized anesthesia. After cleaning the skin with an antiseptic solution where the test is to be performed, a numbing agent is first injected into the site. Next, a fine needle is inserted into the chest (pleural space) in order to drain fluid and obtain a sample that can be sent to the lab for evaluation to assist with making a diagnosis. This is usually performed with the help of ultrasound or CT camera guidance that shows the clinician where to guide the needle.

Risks Associated with Thoracentesis

Thoracentesis is tolerated well by most patients and rarely involves significant complications. The types of risks that do exist with this procedure include mild pain or discomfort during the insertion of the needle or minor bleeding if a blood vessel is nicked during needle insertion. In rare instances the needle may pierce the lung. If the hole does not heal on its own soon enough it may result in a collapsed lung.