e-Article
An Evidence-Based Manual for Abdominal Paracentesis
Document Type
Report
Author abstract
Author abstract
Source
Digestive Diseases and Sciences. Dec, 2007, Vol. 52 Issue 12, p3307, 9 p.
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
0163-2116
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to provide evidence-based approaches to detect ascites, perform paracentesis, order tests, and interpret the results. A Medline search was performed to identify relevant articles. Of 731 identified articles, 50 articles were used. The most sensitive findings for ascites detection are ankle edema (93%), increased abdominal girth (87%), flank dullness (84%), and bulging flanks (81%). Paracentesis is safe, with bleeding rates and leakage of