The spelling of the medical term "paracentesis thoracis" can be quite tricky. IPA phonetic transcription is a great tool to help break down the word. "Para" is pronounced /pəˈrɑː/, "cen" is pronounced /sen/, "te" is pronounced /tɛ/, "sis" is pronounced /sɪs/, "tho" is pronounced /θɔː/, and "racis" is pronounced /ˈræsɪs/. Put them all together, and you get the pronunciation /pəˌræsənˈtiːsɪs θɔːˈræsɪs/. The word refers to a procedure where a needle is inserted into the chest to remove excess fluid.
Paracentesis thoracis is a medical procedure that involves the drainage of fluid from the pleural cavity, which is the space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is also commonly referred to as a thoracentesis or pleural tap. This procedure is typically conducted to diagnose and treat conditions related to excess fluid accumulation in the lungs, such as pleural effusion or pneumothorax.
During paracentesis thoracis, a medical professional numbs the area where the needle will be inserted, usually between the ribs. A thin, hollow needle or tube is then carefully inserted into the pleural cavity, and the excess fluid is withdrawn into a collection bag or container. The fluid is subsequently sent for laboratory analysis to determine the cause of the fluid accumulation, which can include infections, cancers, heart failure, or liver disease.
Paracentesis thoracis can provide both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. It helps relieve the symptoms associated with pleural effusion, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing. It also serves as a means of obtaining a sample of the fluid for analysis, aiding in the identification and treatment of underlying diseases or conditions. The procedure is usually performed by a trained healthcare professional, such as a pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon, in a hospital or clinic setting.
As with any medical procedure, paracentesis thoracis carries certain risks, including infection, bleeding, or pneumothorax. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to consult with their healthcare provider and understand the potential benefits and risks before undergoing the procedure.
Of the chest, thoracentesis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "paracentesis thoracis" is a medical term derived from Greek and Latin roots. Here is a breakdown of its etymology:
- Paracentesis: The word "paracentesis" comes from the Greek words "pará" meaning "beside" or "alongside" and "kentēsis" meaning "piercing". It refers to a surgical procedure where a needle or other instrument is used to puncture or make an incision for therapeutic purposes, usually to drain fluid.
- Thoracis: The term "thoracis" is of Latin origin and is derived from the Latin word "thorax". It refers to the chest or the area between the neck and abdomen. In medical terminology, it specifically denotes an anatomical region or cavity associated with the chest.