thoracocentesis
9.6
To remove fluid from the space around the lungs to check or relieve a problem
- noun
- /θɔˌrækəʊsɛnˈtiːsɪs/
- Specialized
:
toracocentesis
- After reviewing the scans, the physician recommended thoracocentesis to analyze the fluid in the pleural space.
Examples
-
The doctor performed a thoracocentesis to relieve pressure from the fluid buildup in the patient's chest.
-
The presence of pneumothorax or hemothorax found by thoracocentesis indicates injuries to the lungs and pleura.
Academic text (2018) -
During the procedure, the nurse explained that thoracocentesis is often used to diagnose respiratory conditions.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A doctor uses a needle to remove fluid from the chest to help breathing or find the cause
has the same medical meaning but is an alternative term often used interchangeably
How Invasive
thoracoplasty
1
9.9
- Archaic
1
9.9
thoracotomy
13
9.9
- Specialized
13
9.9
thoracostomy
2
9.9
- Specialized
2
9.9
thoracoscopy
- Specialized
thoracocentesis
- Specialized
needle biopsy
2
3.5
- Specialized
2
3.5
Surface Forms
thoracocentesis singular
thoracocenteses plural
Morphology
Etymology
Thoracocentesis breaks into thoraco- 'chest' and -centesis 'a puncture to remove fluid', so it literally names the medical act of putting a needle into the chest to take out fluid.