Paracentesis is a procedure for removing fluid from a body cavity or a cyst with a hollow needle or catheter. Paracentesis commonly refers to peritoneocentesis, which is removal of fluid from the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity. Paracentesis of the chest cavity is known as thoracentesis. Read more: What Is Paracentesis? Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Get to Know Your Liver Quiz
Do you know the symptoms of liver disease? What is hepatitis? Take this quiz to learn about your liver and how to keep it healthy.
-
Liver Disease Quiz: Fatty Liver Disease, Cirrhosis & Symptoms
What is liver disease? Take the Liver Disease Quiz and test your knowledge about this organ and its function.
-
Picture of Lymphedema
A common chronic, debilitating condition in which excess fluid called lymph collects in tissues and causes swelling (edema) in...
-
Picture of Pitting Edema
Observable swelling of body tissues due to fluid accumulation that may be demonstrated by applying pressure to the swollen area...
-
Picture of Liver
Front View of the Liver. The liver is a large, meaty organ that sits on the right side of the belly. See a picture of the Liver...
-
Hepatitis: Surprising Things That Can Damage Your Liver
Alcohol and acetaminophen are well-known liver dangers, but what else can be harmful? WebMD says some of them may surprise you.
-
Liver Health: 14 Best and Worst Foods for Your Liver
Get some simple diet tips to keep your liver healthy, including the best veggies to keep disease away and some snacks you'll want...
-
Fatty Liver Disease: Nonalcoholic and Alcoholic Causes and Treatments
It could be the most common disease you've never heard of. Learn what causes it, what trouble it can lead to, and how you can...
QUESTION
Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can cause: See AnswerRelated Disease Conditions
-
Edema (Pitting)
Edema is the swelling of tissues as a result of excess water accumulation. Peripheral edema occurs in the feet and legs. There are two types of edema, non-pitting edema and pitting edema. Causes of pitting edema is caused by systemic diseases (most commonly involving the heart, liver, and kidneys), and medications. Local conditions that cause edema are thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Edema or swelling of the legs, feet, ankles, and face are common during pregnancy. Idiopathic edema is edema in which the cause is not known. Pitting edema is scored on pitting edema measurement scales. Edema is generally treated with medication.
-
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema (swelling or fluid in the lungs) can either be caused by cardiogenic causes (congestive heart failure, heart attacks, abnormal heart valves) or noncardiogenic causes such as: ARDS, kidney failure, high altitude, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, aspirin overdose, pulmonary embolism, and infections. The treatment of pulmonary edema depends on the cause of the condition.
-
Ascites
Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity is most commonly caused by cirrhosis of the liver. Some of the other causes of ascites include portal hypertension, congestive heart failure, blood clots, and pancreatitis. The most common symptoms include increased abdominal girth and size, abdominal bloating, and abdominal pain. Treatment depends on the cause of ascites.
-
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition in which one or more extremities become swollen as the result of an impaired flow of the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary. Filariasis is the most common cause of lymphedema worldwide. In the U.S., breast cancer surgery is the most common cause. Symptoms include swelling of one or more limbs, cracked and thickening skin, and secondary bacterial or fungal infections of the skin. There is no cure for lymphedema.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Liver Disease FAQs
- Get to Know Your Liver FAQs
- Chronic Viral Hepatitis, Alcoholism, Cirrhosis Linked to Liver Cancer
- Diabetes Report From The National ADA Meeting 2003
- Liver Trauma from Mountain Biking
- Kidney Infections During Pregnancy
- Does Kidney Transplant or Chronic Dialysis Offer Longer Survival?
- How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
- Kidney Stone Causes
- Blood Pressure Elevation Established as Risk for Kidney Failure
From 
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.