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Paracentesis (from Greek ÎºÎµÎ½ÏÎ¬Ï, to pierce) is a form of body fluid sampling procedure, generally referring to peritoneocentesis (also called laparocentesis) in which the peritoneal cavity is punctured by a needle to sample peritoneal fluid. 1  1 Indications. 2  2 Paracentesis for ascites.  3 Ascitic fluid analysis.
Of these, paracentesis is more commonly used. It can be used to remove excess fluid from the abdomen. This excess fluid is called ascites. Performed usually with ultrasound and local anaesthetic, and often the fluid drained off is sent to a laboratory for testing.