Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
05:50
International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Safety of large-volume thoracentesis
Jafar Abunasser1, Robert Brown
1Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport, USA.
Connecticut Medicine
|February 24, 2010
Summary
Large-volume thoracentesis, removing over 1 liter of pleural fluid, is safe and comparable in risk to small-volume procedures. This study found no increased risk of complications like hypotension or pneumothorax.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Interventional Pulmonology
Background:
- Thoracentesis is a common procedure for pleural effusion management.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety of large-volume fluid removal (>1 liter) without intrapleural pressure monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and associated risks of large-volume thoracentesis (>1 liter) compared to small-volume thoracentesis (<1 liter).
- To determine complication rates including hypotension, pneumothorax, and bleeding in large-volume thoracentesis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of thoracenteses performed at a community-based teaching hospital.
- Analysis of 300 procedures (137 large-volume, 163 small-volume) between February 2004 and March 2006.
- Documentation of rates of hypotension, pneumothorax, bleeding, and re-expansion pulmonary edema.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant increase in the risk of pneumothorax, hypotension, or bleeding was observed with large-volume thoracentesis.
- One case of re-expansion pulmonary edema occurred following the removal of 2600 mL of fluid.
- Complication rates were comparable between large-volume and small-volume thoracentesis groups.
Conclusions:
- Large-volume thoracentesis is a safe procedure.
- The risks associated with removing >1 liter of pleural fluid are comparable to those of small-volume thoracentesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:30Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
01:23Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure
Tracheostomy suctioning is a vital nursing procedure that involves removing secretions from the tracheostomy tube to maintain airway patency and prevent respiratory complications. Nurses need to understand the proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning to ensure patient safety and comfort. In this guide, we will outline the step-by-step process for performing tracheostomy suctioning, including preparing the sterile field, donning personal protective equipment (PPE), lubricating and connecting...
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:26Tracheostomy Suctioning I: Pre-Procedural Steps
Tracheostomy suctioning is a critical procedure healthcare professionals perform to maintain a patent airway in patients with a tracheostomy tube. This procedure is necessary when secretions accumulate in the airway, causing respiratory distress. Here is a step-wise procedural guide for performing tracheostomy suctioning using an open system.
Equipment Required
First, gather all necessary equipment: a sterile suction catheter, a sterile disposable container, sterile gloves, a towel or...
Equipment Required
First, gather all necessary equipment: a sterile suction catheter, a sterile disposable container, sterile gloves, a towel or...