Abdominocentesis

Abdominocentesis is the process of inserting a sterile needle with ultrasound guidance into the abdomen to remove abdominal fluid and obtain a sample for further diagnostic testing. This quick procedure can be done on an outpatient basis and will not typically require sedation. If excessive abdominal fluid is causing discomfort, abdominocentesis might also be recommended as a palliative treatment to remove a larger volume of fluid.