what is a paracentesis
Paracentesis (from Greek ÎºÎµÎ½ÏÎ¬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.