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An unusual complication of paracentesis
W A Qureshi1, D Harshfield, H Shah
1Department of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|September 1, 1992
Abstract:
Paracentesis is an important and commonly performed procedure in patients with ascites. It is a safe procedure when carried out in the midline below the umbilicus, with a complication rate of less than 1%. We report an instance in which a large midline varix was entered during paracentesis. The utility of different imaging techniques in detecting such anomalies in the portal hypertensive patient with portal hypertension and ascites is discussed. The approach and management of this complication are outlined.