Paracentesis Surgery for Mesothelioma Patients

Paracentesis Surgery for Mesothelioma Patients | Procedure & Risk
By BruceBlaus. Blausen.com staff (2014). “Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014”. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436. – Own work, CC BY 3.0.

Paracentesis, a medical intervention designed to alleviate the distress caused by ascites, emerges as a vital tool in addressing peritoneal mesothelioma’s common symptom. Ascites, the accumulation of excess fluid within the abdominal cavity, prompts the need for this procedure. Paracentesis primarily serves two pivotal roles:

  1. Diagnostic Precision: Uncovering the root cause of fluid buildup.
  2. Therapeutic Relief: Easing symptoms associated with ascites, such as abdominal pain, swelling, and breathing difficulties.

Ascites frequently troubles peritoneal mesothelioma patients due to tumors hindering the typical reabsorption of peritoneal fluid, resulting in its accumulation. Remarkably, even a meager amount of fluid, as little as two tablespoons, within the peritoneal cavity qualifies as ascites.

The Alleviation of Symptoms through Paracentesis

Paracentesis offers a temporary respite by draining the surplus fluid responsible for discomfort. Although not a permanent solution, it plays a pivotal role in managing symptoms linked to peritoneal effusion. Patients grappling with peritoneal mesothelioma may undergo numerous paracentesis procedures to alleviate their symptoms.

Crucially, paracentesis can aid in diagnosing other diseases by scrutinizing the extracted fluid. However, it falls short in diagnosing mesothelioma, which mandates a confirmed diagnosis through a tissue biopsy.

Conditions Leading to Ascites

Ascites isn’t exclusive to peritoneal mesothelioma; it can manifest as a symptom across various other conditions, encompassing:

  • Abdominal cancers
  • Alcoholism or alcohol abuse
  • Cirrhosis
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Kidney failure
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma

Distinguishing Paracentesis from Thoracentesis

It is pivotal to distinguish between paracentesis and thoracentesis (pleurocentesis). While both procedures aim to alleviate excessive fluid, they target distinct locations:

  • Paracentesis confronts abdominal fluid buildup.
  • Thoracentesis addresses fluid accumulation within the lining encasing the lungs (pleural effusion).

The Paracentesis Procedure

A paracentesis procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed on an outpatient basis, aiming to enhance a patient’s quality of life. Whether undertaken for diagnostic or palliative objectives, local anesthesia mitigates discomfort during needle insertion.

The procedural steps encompass:

  1. Ensuring the patient’s optimal positioning for safety and effectiveness.
  2. Potentially employing ultrasound for precise needle placement.
  3. Administering local anesthesia to numb the patient’s skin and underlying tissues.
  4. Inserting a needle into the abdomen to access the fluid.
  5. Affixing a syringe or medical device to extract the fluid.
  6. Safely withdrawing the needle and, if needed, suturing the insertion site.

Typically, a paracentesis procedure spans about 30 minutes. Patients can undergo it in diverse settings, including cancer centers, hospitals, or a physician’s office. Gastroenterologists or specialized mesothelioma doctors often conduct this procedure.

The Perks of Paracentesis for Mesothelioma Patients

Paracentesis boasts a low-risk profile and substantially elevates the quality of life for peritoneal mesothelioma patients grappling with ascites-related distress. It proves highly effective in diminishing abdominal pain and discomfort. Given the potential recurrence of ascites, the procedure can be performed periodically as required.

Paracentesis Risks and Complications

Similar to any medical procedure, paracentesis carries some inherent risks, though complications remain relatively rare, manifesting in fewer than 6% of cases. Possible side effects encompass low blood pressure and infection. Patient movement during the procedure heightens the risk of complications, potentially leading to its premature termination.

Typical side effects encompass bleeding, fluid seepage from the insertion site, hematoma (blood pooling beneath the skin), low blood pressure, infection, and rare intestinal perforation.

Determining Paracentesis Eligibility

In a broad sense, patients grappling with abdominal fluid buildup may qualify for paracentesis, a procedure widely accessible across most hospitals. However, certain factors, such as clotting disorders and pregnancy, may render patients ineligible, necessitating alternative treatment recommendations.

Individuals experiencing abdominal swelling and discomfort, potentially stemming from ascites, should engage their medical professionals to explore the viability of paracentesis as a means to alleviate their distress.