Pleural Tapping (Thoracentesis)

Pleural Tapping, also known as Thoracentesis, is a medical procedure used to remove excess fluid from the pleural space — the thin gap between the lungs and the chest wall.

Why Is It Done?

Pleural fluid can accumulate due to various causes, such as:

• Pleural effusion (due to infection, heart failure, cancer, TB, etc.)
• To relieve breathlessness
• To diagnose the underlying cause of fluid buildup through lab testing

How the Procedure Is Done:

• Patient is usually seated upright, leaning forward slightly.
• The area on the back or side is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.
• A sterile needle or catheter is inserted into the pleural space.
• Fluid is slowly withdrawn and collected in containers.
• The site is covered with a bandage after removal.

Fluid Analysis Can Help Diagnose:

• Transudate vs Exudate (based on Light’s Criteria)
• Tuberculosis
• Empyema (pus in pleural space)
• Malignancy
• Rheumatologic disease

Aftercare:

• Monitor for shortness of breath, chest pain, or cough
• Follow-up chest X-ray may be done to rule out complications like pneumothorax
• Rest is advised for a few hours post-procedure