Thoracentesis - Uses, Procedure, and Risk Factors

Introduction

Pneumothorax has air in the space around the lungs, while pleural effusion has fluid in the space around the lungs. The air and fluid are drained using the procedure called thoracentesis. It is also known as pleural tap. A needle is inserted through the chest to reach the space around the lungs. This space is called the pleural space.

What Are the Uses of Thoracentesis Procedure?

Thoracentesis is used to diagnose other systemic diseases. The various uses of thoracentesis are as follows:

• Congestive Heart Failure - Pleural effusion impairs the respiratory mechanism and eventually causes congestive heart failure. This excess fluid can be removed using thoracentesis.

• Microbial Infections - The microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi cause respiratory infections in the lungs. The type of infection can be diagnosed using thoracentesis.

• Respiratory Diseases - In respiratory diseases like empyema, pneumonia, and tuberculosis, the pus or mucus is accumulated in the space around the lungs. The pus is collected using the thoracentesis procedure and sent to a lab for investigation by medical professionals.

• Pulmonary Embolism - The obstruction of the airways by the blood clot causes embolism. This blood clot is diagnosed with thoracentesis.

• Autoimmune Disorders - The patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has fluid collected around the lungs. It results in pleural effusion. This condition is observed using thoracentesis.

• Pancreatitis - The inflammation in the pancreatic tissue causes pancreatitis. The inflammatory chemicals secreted by the pancreas reach the lungs through the bloodstream. It causes inflammation in the air sacs with the fluid collection. This condition is called respiratory distress syndrome. The fluid is collected from the lungs using thoracentesis for examination.

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• Lung Cancer - The person affected by lung cancer has a weak immune system and is prone to infections. This infection results in blood clots or fluid collection in the lungs. It also affects other vital organs and causes cardiac failure or liver failure.

• Mesothelioma - Asbestos is a chemical that causes potential damage to the tissues covering the lungs. This condition is called mesothelioma. It also causes pleural effusion. This underlying disease can be identified using thoracentesis.

What Are the Risk Factors for Thoracentesis?

The risk factors involved in thoracentesis are as follows:

• Lung Collapse - Any injury to the lungs during the thoracentesis leaks air into the space, causing the lung to collapse.

• Infection - Patients with bleeding disorders or patients taking blood-thinning medications have excess bleeding after the procedure. There is a chance of the infection spreading to the lungs.

• Injury to Other Organs - If the needle is misplaced inside the organs like the spleen or liver, it results in injury. This condition is very rare.

• Burns - Patients affected by burns or wounds need extra care during the insertion of the needle because the puncture of the needle may contaminate the wound or burn and cause severe skin infections.

How Is the Thoracentesis Procedure Performed?

• The medical professionals perform the thoracentesis procedure in a hospital under conscious sedation.

• It is performed either in a sitting position or lying over the bed, such that the doctor has access to the chest wall.

• The procedure involves a localized area, so the area is cleaned with disinfectant and anesthetized.

• With the guidance of a CT scan (computed tomography) or ultrasound scan, the needle is inserted into the chest space.

• During the insertion of a needle or a flexible tube, the patient will feel uncomfortable pressure.

• If the amount of fluid is more, the tube is attached for two to three days and allowed to drain inside the bag.

• The patient has to be in a constant position without moving the body. The operator will drain the fluid accumulated in the lung space using the tube.

• The doctor may ask the patient to hold the breathing during the needle insertion.

• Once the fluid is drained, a small band-aid is placed over the needle-inserted area to avoid any contamination.

• The collected fluid is sent to the lab for examination.

• After the procedure, an X-ray is taken to observe the lungs and ribs.

• The patient should be admitted to the hospital. The symptoms and vital signs are monitored at regular intervals after the procedure.

What Are the Instructions to Follow During Thoracentesis?

Before the procedure, it is better to inform the physician about preexisting systemic diseases. Few instructions are as follows:

• Stop taking blood-thinning medications like Aspirin and Warfarin for three to four days before the procedure. Restart the medications after a physician's advice.

• Any allergic reaction to medications or anesthesia must be reported to the doctor before the thoracentesis procedure.

• Avoid thoracentesis procedures during pregnancy.

• Patients with respiratory infections must take necessary precautions to avoid bleeding and empyema.

What Are the Diagnostic Procedures Used During Thoracentesis?

The location of the fluid accumulation and area of needle insertion is identified with the help of the diagnostic tools. They are as follows:

• X-Rays - The X-rays are taken before and after the thoracentesis procedure. The presence of fluid can be revealed as gray shades in the image. The areas with air appear black in the X-rays. Using this color differentiation, the doctor observes the fluid or air present in the lung space.

• Chest Fluoroscopy - It is used as an adjunct to X-rays. The movement and function of the respiratory tract and lungs are observed using chest fluoroscopy. The mass volume and elasticity of the lungs can be identified using fluoroscopy.

• Ultrasound - The sound waves return to the transducer after assessing the required area. The echo created by the sound waves produces an image on the monitor. Any abnormality in the tissue or presence of fluid or air can be analyzed with the help of high-frequency sound waves.

• CT-Scan (Computed Tomography) - The image provided by the scanner is used to observe the amount of fluid in the chest cavity, inflammation in the lungs, and the severity of the lung disease. It is also used to visualize the block in the airways. The images are useful to guide the surgeon during the insertion of a tube in the thoracentesis procedure.

Conclusion

The pressure in the space around the lungs is relieved using thoracentesis. The procedure takes about one to two hours. It does not require any stitches after the surgery. The radiologists interpret the results and follow up with the treatments. Once the fluid or air is removed, the lungs can expand and function normally.