Abdominal tap

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Digestive system

Abdominal tap

Definition:

An abdominal tap is a procedure in which a needle is inserted through the abdominal wall to remove fluid from the abdomen. Normally, the abdomen contains only a small amount of fluid. In certain conditions, large amounts of fluid can accumulate in the abdomen.

There are two kinds of abdominal taps:

Diagnostic tap -- a small amount of fluid is taken and sent to the laboratory for testing
Large volume tap -- several liters may be removed to relieve abdominal pain and fluid buildup

Alternative Names:

Peritoneal tap; Paracentesis

How the test is performed:

This test may be done in an office setting, in a treatment room, or in a hospital.

The puncture site will be cleansed and shaved, if necessary. You then receive a local anesthetic. The tap needle is inserted 1 to 2 inches into the abdomen. Sometimes a small incision is made to help insert the needle. The fluid is then withdrawn into a syringe.

The needle is removed, and a dressing is applied to the puncture site. If an incision was made, one or two stitches may be used to close it.

How to prepare for the test:

Inform your health care provider if you have any allergies to medications or anesthetic, are taking any medications (including herbal remedies), have any bleeding problems, or might be pregnant.

Infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experience, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

Infant test/procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test/procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test/procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test/procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test/procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

You may feel a stinging sensation from the anesthetic or pressure as the needle is inserted.

If a large amount of fluid is withdrawn, you may experience dizziness or lightheadedness. Tell the health care provider if you feel dizzy.

Why the test is performed:

An abdominal tap may be performed to diagnose the cause of fluid accumulation, to diagnose infected abdominal fluid, or to remove a large amount of fluid to reduce abdominal pain.

Review Date: 11/10/2004
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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