Pneumonocentesis is a medical procedure that involves removing fluid from the lung for diagnostic purposes. The word is spelled using the Greek root "pneumo-" meaning "lung" and "centesis" meaning "puncture". It is pronounced as [no͞o′mänōsen-tē′sis]. The first syllable "pneumo-" is pronounced as [no͞o′mo], with a silent "p". The second part "-nocentesis" is pronounced as [sen-tē′sis], with stress on the third syllable. The complex spelling of this word can be challenging, but it is crucial for medical professionals to spell it correctly.
Pneumonocentesis is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a needle or a catheter into the pleural cavity of the lungs to obtain a sample of fluid or air for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The pleural cavity is the space between the two layers of thin tissue called pleura that surround the lungs, and it is filled with a small amount of lubricating fluid.
The procedure is typically performed when there is an accumulation of abnormal fluid or air in the pleural space, which can occur as a result of various medical conditions, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, or certain inflammatory diseases. Pneumonocentesis allows healthcare professionals to examine the collected sample under a microscope or send it to a laboratory for further analysis. This analysis helps in identifying the presence of infection, cancer cells, or any other abnormalities that could be causing the patient's symptoms.
In addition to diagnostic purposes, pneumonocentesis can also be used therapeutically to relieve symptoms caused by pleural effusion (abnormal fluid accumulation) or pneumothorax (abnormal air accumulation) in the pleural cavity. By removing the excess fluid or air, pneumonocentesis can help alleviate the pressure on the lungs, improve breathing, and potentially prevent further complications.
Overall, pneumonocentesis is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a needle or catheter into the pleural cavity to collect fluid or air for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various lung-related conditions.
Puncture of the lung in order to empty a pus-filled cavity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pneumonocentesis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "pneumono" and "centesis".
1. "Pneumono" (πνευμονο) is derived from the Greek word "pneumon" (πνευμών), which means "lung".
2. "Centesis" (κέντησις) comes from the Greek verb "kentein" (κεντεῖν), which means "to puncture" or "to prick".
Combining these two roots, "pneumonocentesis" refers to the medical procedure of puncturing the lung, usually for the purpose of draining fluid or air from the pleural space (the space between the lung and the chest wall).