paracentesis

/ˌpɛrəsɛnˈtisɪs/
noun
  1. A medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into a body cavity (usually the abdomen) to drain fluid.
    • After the paracentesis, the fluid was sent to the lab for testing.
    • The doctor performed a paracentesis to relieve the patient's abdominal swelling.
    • She felt much better following the paracentesis, as the pressure in her belly decreased.
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