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

Can it be felt by the hand or by the patient before the disease is too great to admit of cure by the paracentesis?

From Zoonomia, Vol. II Or, the Laws of Organic Life by Darwin, Erasmus

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

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.

Again, the temperature often fell to normal after paracentesis and removal of the blood, to rise again with a fresh accumulation, which was not uncommon.

From Surgical Experiences in South Africa, 1899-1900 Being Mainly a Clinical Study of the Nature and Effects of Injuries Produced by Bullets of Small Calibre by Makins, George Henry

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)