Pneumothorax usually happens when the needle punctures the lung or when air leaks into the space during thoracentesis. This can happen as the needle enters or as the lung reexpands while fluid is being drained. There are usually no symptoms, but the patient may experience significantly worsening breathlessness. A chest tube is inserted into the lung to reexpand it, and once the hole is sealed the tube is removed. Infection and significant bleeding are extremely rare.
Hypotension also is extremely rare.
When large amounts of fluid are withdrawn and a severely compressed lung reexpands, the lung can refill with fluid. This is called reexpansion pulmonary edema. It happens in patients who have a large amount of fluid drained, and it is uncommon. Infection is a risk in any invasive procedure. Back to Top Closed pleural biopsy Sometimes a sample of the pleural membrane is needed to determine the underlying cause.