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Abdominal Tap

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What is Abdominal Tap ?

An abdominal tap is a procedure used to remove fluid from the abdomen.



Alternative names

Peritoneal tap; Paracentesis



How the Test is Performed

This test may be done in an office setting, treatment room, or hospital. The puncture site will be cleaned and shaved, if necessary. You then receive a local numbing medicine. The tap needle is inserted 1 - 2 inches into the abdomen. Sometimes a small cut is made to help insert the needle. The fluid is pulled out into a syringe. The needle is removed. A dressing is placed on the puncture site. If a cut was made, one or two stitches may be used to close it. There are two kinds of abdominal...



What is Abdominal Tap ?

An abdominal tap is a procedure used to remove fluid from the abdomen.

Alternative names

Peritoneal tap; Paracentesis

How the Test is Performed

This test may be done in an office setting, treatment room, or hospital.

The puncture site will be cleaned and shaved, if necessary. You then receive a local numbing medicine. The tap needle is inserted 1 - 2 inches into the abdomen. Sometimes a small cut is made to help insert the needle. The fluid is pulled out into a syringe.

The needle is removed. A dressing is placed on the puncture site. If a cut was made, one or two stitches may be used to close it.

There are two kinds of abdominal taps:

  • Diagnostic tap -- a small amount of fluid is taken and sent to the laboratory for testing
  • Large volume tap -- several liters may be removed to relieve abdominal pain and fluid buildup

How to Prepare for the Test

Let your health care provider know if you:

  • Have any allergies to medications or numbing medicine
  • Are taking any medications (including herbal remedies)
  • Have any bleeding problems
  • Might be pregnant

Infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experience, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

  • Infant test/procedure preparation (birth - 1 year)
  • Toddler test/procedure preparation (1 - 3 years)
  • Preschooler test/procedure preparation (3 - 6 years)
  • School age test/procedure preparation (6 - 12 years)
  • Adolescent test/procedure preparation (12 - 18 years)

How the Test Will Feel

You may feel a stinging sensation from the numbing medicine, or pressure as the needle is inserted.

If a large amount of fluid is taken out, you may feel dizzy or light-headed. Tell the health care provider if you feel dizzy.

Why the Test is Performed

Normally, the abdomen contains only a small amount of fluid. In certain conditions, large amounts of fluid can build up in the abdomen.

An abdominal tap may be done to diagnose the cause of fluid build-up. It may also be done to diagnose infected abdominal fluid, or to remove a large amount of fluid to reduce abdominal pain.

Normal Results

Normally, there should be little or no fluid in the abdomen.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An examination of abdominal fluid may show:

Risks

There is a slight chance of the needle puncturing the bowel, bladder, or a blood vessel in the abdomen. If a large quantity of fluid is removed, there is a slight risk of lowered blood pressure and kidney failure. There is also a slight chance of infection.

Content provided by:

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Review Date: .8/22/2008

Reviewed By: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.8/22/2008

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    • Posted On July 16, 2008 02:33:22 PM

      ...ces ever -- notoriously full of Strep, Staph, MRSA, fungus (athlete's foot, jock itch & other types), bacteria, viruses.... Brushing teeth, flossing, shaving, nairing etc all cause microsc... Read More

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      ...ys "LOOK HOW BUFF I AM!!" and tape it to your forehead??? So annoying. Read More

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    • Posted On December 4, 2007 09:22:36 AM

      Hi everyone, I'm new compared to alot of people and I've been involved in a few serious topics recently, I just thought I'd say that the last person to post here is the winner... talk about anythin... Read More

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      What do we win? Read More

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    • Posted On December 11, 2008 07:40:35 AM

      ...places and may have more fat within the abdominal cavity, such as older people do when compared to their younger counterparts.) I hope this was helpful. Dr. Laurie My dad would walk laps in t... Read More

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      Thanks for the heads up Rhin!!! Read More

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      You just can't be too careful in todays world. Read More

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