Paracentesis in the ICU is a critical, often ultrasound-guided, medical procedure involving the removal of ascetic fluid from the peritoneal cavity. Performed in critical care settings, it’s essential for diagnosing and managing conditions like severe ascites due to liver failure, heart failure, or malignancy, which can cause respiratory distress, abdominal pain, and infection. This procedure alleviates pressure, improves patient comfort, and allows for fluid analysis to determine etiology.
Ultrasound guidance significantly enhances the safety and efficacy of paracentesis in critically ill patients, minimizing complications such as bowel perforation or hemorrhage. It helps identify the largest fluid pockets, avoid vital structures, and confirm needle placement. This rapid, bedside diagnostic and therapeutic intervention is crucial for comprehensive critical care management, particularly in patients presenting with new onset or worsening ascites.
