Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess
Published on: March 15, 2024
A fatal complication of ultrasound-guided abdominal paracentesis
Matthew Seidler1, Karl Sayegh, Anne Roy
1Radiology Department, McGill University Health Center, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec, H3H 1A1, Canada.
Abstract:
Ultrasound-guided abdominal paracentesis is a procedure that is frequently performed by radiologists for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This procedure has been shown to be safe with few complications. We report the case of a patient who underwent an ultrasound-guided therapeutic abdominal paracentesis for refractory ascites complicated by intraperitoneal hemorrhage leading to death. This case suggests that ultrasound-guided paracentesis may need to become a more standardized procedure and that in the event of hemorrhage, alternative treatment options such as embolization or surgical intervention should be utilized when manual compression fails.
Related Concept Videos
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
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...
Appendicitis
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
