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

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

In patients suffering from the inconvenience which comes from large quantities of fluid in the abdomen, he advises paracentesis abdominis.

From The Popes and Science The History of the Papal Relations to Science During the Middle Ages and Down to Our Own Time by Walsh, James J.

He was well known for his life-saving practice of tracheotomy and he restored paracentesis thoracis as a standard remedy.

From The Popes and Science The History of the Papal Relations to Science During the Middle Ages and Down to Our Own Time by Walsh, James J.

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.

There are three kinds; the first is ascites, due to the presence of watery fluid, for which we do paracentesis; second, tympany, when the abdomen is swollen from the presence of air or gas.

From Old-Time Makers of Medicine The Story of The Students And Teachers of the Sciences Related to Medicine During the Middle Ages by Walsh, James Joseph