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

In patients suffering from the inconvenience which comes from large quantities of fluid in the abdomen he advises paracentesis abdominis, but warns against putting the patient in danger from such an operation without due consideration.

From Education: How Old The New by Walsh, James J.

There are three kinds; the first is ascites, due to the presence of watery fluid, for which we do paracentesis; second, tympany, when the abdomen is swollen from the presence of air or gas.

From Old-Time Makers of Medicine The Story of The Students And Teachers of the Sciences Related to Medicine During the Middle Ages by Walsh, James Joseph

The pathology seemed quite obscure, and the surgeon remained almost passive till August, when he performed paracentesis on the left eye.

From Neuralgia and the Diseases that Resemble it by Anstie, Francis E.

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, therefore, the otitis continue without mitigation of pain after the above measures have been employed, paracentesis of the drumhead is probably required.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various