Contributor: Peter Bakes, MD

Educational Pearls:

• Paracentesis is a procedure where fluid is removed from the peritoneal cavity by needle
• Indications for paracentesis include: large volume paracentesis (5-6L), diagnosis of transudative or exudative ascites, evaluation for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)
• Infection of ascitic fluid is more likely in transudative processes due to the increased frequency of paracentesis
• E coli is the most common pathogen to cause SBP
• Treatment with 3rd generation cephalosporin, like ceftriaxone

References

Aponte EM, Katta S, O'Rourke MC. Paracentesis. [Updated 2020 Sep 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK435998/

Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD