A surgical puncture to remove fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis.
Paracentesis is a medical procedure performed to extract excess fluid from the peritoneal cavity, which is the space within the abdomen that houses various organs. This procedure is often indicated in cases of conditions such as ascites, where fluid accumulates due to liver cirrhosis, heart failure, infections, or malignancies. During the procedure, a needle is inserted through the abdominal wall, guided by ultrasound or other imaging techniques, to avoid injury to surrounding organs and tissues. The removed fluid can then be analyzed for diagnostic purposes or to relieve symptoms related to fluid overload. Overall, paracentesis can provide not only temporary relief but also valuable information regarding the underlying health conditions of the patient.