Which procedure involves surgical puncture to remove fluid from the abdomen?

• A. Phlebotomy
• B. PET scan
• C. Paracentesis
• D. Percussion

Answer: (C)

Removing fluid from the abdominal cavity by inserting a needle or catheter through the abdominal wall is paracentesis. This procedure is used to relieve buildup of ascitic fluid and to obtain samples for analysis, helping diagnose the cause of fluid accumulation (such as infection, cancer, or liver disease). The collected fluid can be tested for cell count, protein content, cultures, cytology, and other markers; the serum-ascites albumin gradient can help distinguish causes related to portal hypertension from other etiologies. It’s usually done with sterile technique and often under ultrasound guidance to minimize risks, with potential but avoidable complications including bleeding, infection, injury to organs, or fluid leakage.

Phlebotomy involves drawing blood from a vein, not the abdomen. PET scan is an imaging test that uses a radiotracer to observe metabolic activity, not fluid removal. Percussion is a physical examination method where tapping helps assess underlying structures, not a procedure to remove fluid.