Centers of Excellence

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE?

You will receive instructions from staff at the interventional radiologist’s office at least a day before the procedure. Make sure to let the staff know if you have any allergies to medications or to contrast material which may be used during this procedure. If you are on any blood thinners such as aspirin, Coumadin, Lovenox, Heparin, or Plavix please let the staff know. You may have blood drawn for pre-procedure testing at either the hospital or clinic. Staff will advise you if changes in your regular medication schedule are necessary. You may have to avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours before the procedure. Make sure someone will be available to drive you home afterwards.

HOW DOES THE PROCEDURE WORK?

The removal of fluid from the abdominal peritoneal cavity by the means of a catheter. To relieve discomfort caused by pressure created by excessive fluid in the abdominal cavity or for diagnostic purposes.

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PREFORMED?

You will be asked to empty your bladder and then asked to lie on the ultrasound bed with the head of the bed elevated. Using ultrasound to visualize the abdomen a catheter is inserted into the abdomen to drain the excess fluid.

WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE DURING THE PROCEDURE?

First the abdomen will be cleansed with antiseptic solution and then a sterile drape applied to the abdomen. Local anesthetic will then be injected into the skin to numb up the site. The catheter is then inserted and the fluid removed. After the fluid is removed the radiologist may want to give albumin intravenously to replace protein loss from the fluid that was removed.