paracentesis

American  

[par-uh-sen-tee-sis] / ˌpær ə sɛnˈti sɪs /

noun

Surgery.

plural

paracenteses

1. puncture of the wall of a cavity to drain off fluid.

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paracentesis British  

/ ˌpærəsɛnˈtiːsɪs /

noun

1. med the surgical puncture of a body cavity in order to draw off excess fluid

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Etymology

Origin of paracentesis

1590–1600; < Latin paracentēsis perforation, tapping < Greek parakéntēsis, equivalent to parakentē-, variant stem of parakenteîn to prick beside ( para- para- ¹ + kenteîn to prick, pierce) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

In heart-injuries, paracentesis, followed, if necessary, by incision of the pericardium, is advised by some surgeons.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)

The pathology seemed quite obscure, and the surgeon remained almost passive till August, when he performed paracentesis on the left eye.

From Neuralgia and the Diseases that Resemble it by Anstie, Francis E.

If pus is found, a more radical surgical procedure than simple paracentesis must be done immediately.

From Disturbances of the Heart by Osborne, Oliver T. (Oliver Thomas)

Every probable means to relieve her had been attempted by Dr. Groome, but to no purpose; and she had undergone the operation of the paracentesis repeatedly.

From An Account of the Foxglove and some of its Medical Uses With Practical Remarks on Dropsy and Other Diseases by Withering, William

If collapse of the lung is threatened, a surgical operation, termed paracentesis thoracis, is sometimes performed; this consists in puncturing the chest cavity and drawing off a part of the fluid.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry