In thoracentesis, the doctor
removes fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall (the pleural
cavity). The doctor inserts a needle (and sometimes a plastic catheter) through
the chest wall to remove and examine the fluid.
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By
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Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology |
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Last Revised
|
July 15, 2011 |
Last Revised:
July 15, 2011
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology