paracentesis

American  

[par-uh-sen-tee-sis] / ˌpær ə sɛnˈti sɪs /

noun

Surgery.

plural

paracenteses

1. puncture of the wall of a cavity to drain off fluid.

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paracentesis British  

/ ˌpærəsɛnˈtiːsɪs /

noun

1. med the surgical puncture of a body cavity in order to draw off excess fluid

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Etymology

Origin of paracentesis

1590–1600; < Latin paracentēsis perforation, tapping < Greek parakéntēsis, equivalent to parakentē-, variant stem of parakenteîn to prick beside ( para- para- ¹ + kenteîn to prick, pierce) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

If in spite of all the therapeutic measures suggested, the fluid increases and the pericardium becomes more distended and the heart's action more labored, paracentesis must be done.

From Disturbances of the Heart by Osborne, Oliver T. (Oliver Thomas)

In patients suffering from the inconvenience which comes from large quantities of fluid in the abdomen, he advises paracentesis abdominis.

From The Popes and Science The History of the Papal Relations to Science During the Middle Ages and Down to Our Own Time by Walsh, James J.

He was well known for his life-saving practice of tracheotomy and he restored paracentesis thoracis as a standard remedy.

From The Popes and Science The History of the Papal Relations to Science During the Middle Ages and Down to Our Own Time by Walsh, James J.

Again, the temperature often fell to normal after paracentesis and removal of the blood, to rise again with a fresh accumulation, which was not uncommon.

From Surgical Experiences in South Africa, 1899-1900 Being Mainly a Clinical Study of the Nature and Effects of Injuries Produced by Bullets of Small Calibre by Makins, George Henry

If collapse of the lung is threatened, a surgical operation, termed paracentesis thoracis, is sometimes performed; this consists in puncturing the chest cavity and drawing off a part of the fluid.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry