THORACENTESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Thoracentesis is a medical procedure that involves the removal of fluid or air from the pleural space surrounding the lungs. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic technique used to investigate and treat various respiratory conditions.
During a thoracentesis, a healthcare professional uses a needle or a small catheter to puncture the chest wall and access the pleural space. The procedure is typically guided by imaging techniques such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) to ensure accuracy and minimize complications.
Thoracentesis is commonly performed to obtain a sample of the pleural fluid for laboratory analysis. This helps in diagnosing the underlying cause of fluid accumulation, such as infections, cancers, or congestive heart failure. The collected fluid is further examined for the presence of inflammatory cells, bacteria, cancer cells, and other abnormalities that can aid in determining the appropriate treatment.
Additionally, thoracentesis can alleviate symptoms caused by large amounts of fluid or air pressing on the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties. By draining the excess fluid or air, it can relieve pressure and improve lung function. The procedure may be performed to manage conditions like pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or pleural empyema.
Despite being generally safe, thoracentesis carries potential risks such as bleeding, infection, or lung injury. Therefore, it is important to undergo the procedure under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional, who will assess the benefits and risks on an individual basis.
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Tapping the thorax, the thrusting of a trocar and cannula into the cavity of the chest for the removal of accumulated fluid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THORACENTESIS
- thoracicentesis
- rhoracentesis
- fhoracentesis
- ghoracentesis
- yhoracentesis
- 6horacentesis
- 5horacentesis
- tgoracentesis
- tboracentesis
- tnoracentesis
- tjoracentesis
- tuoracentesis
- tyoracentesis
- thiracentesis
- thkracentesis
- thlracentesis
- thpracentesis
- th0racentesis
- th9racentesis
- thoeacentesis
- thodacentesis
- throacentesis
- Thorasentesis
- Thorazentesis
Etymology of THORACENTESIS
The word "thoracentesis" is derived from Greek roots. It consists of two main components: "thoraco" and "centesis".
1. "Thoraco" comes from the Greek word "thōrax" (θώραξ), meaning "chest" or "breastplate". This term refers to the thoracic cavity, which is the space located within the ribcage and between the lungs.
2. "Centesis" is derived from the Greek word "kentēsis" (κέντησις), which means "puncture" or "pricking". This component is often used to refer to medical procedures involving puncturing or piercing a body cavity or organ.
Combining these two elements, "thoracentesis" is a medical term that literally means "puncture or tapping of the thoracic cavity".
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