Methuen Hospital’s Paracentesis and Thoracentesis Clinic offers outpatient procedures to remove excess fluid from the abdomen or lungs. These procedures relieve symptoms like bloating, pressure, and shortness of breath. Most patients go home the same day.
Our team provides coordinated care in a comfortable outpatient setting with timely scheduling, clear instructions and follow-up communication for both patients and referring physicians.
Our clinic specializes in two closely related procedures — paracentesis and thoracentesis. Both are minimally invasive, performed on an outpatient basis, and designed to provide relief when fluid builds up where it shouldn’t. Understanding which procedure applies to you depends on where the fluid is located.
Paracentesis is a procedure that removes extra fluid from the abdomen. It relieves bloating, pressure, and discomfort caused by fluid buildup. The fluid can also be tested to help find the cause.
Thoracentesis is a procedure that removes extra fluid from around the lungs. It helps patients breathe more easily and reduces chest pressure. Fluid can be tested when needed.
Fluid buildup in the abdomen or around the lungs can develop for many reasons. When the body produces or holds on to more fluid than it can manage, it often signals an underlying condition that needs attention. We treat patients with ascites (fluid in the abdomen) and pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs) related to:
Most patients feel only mild pressure. A brief pinch from the numbing medication is common. Significant pain is uncommon. These are low-risk outpatient procedures performed by experienced physicians.
Most patients return to normal activity the next day. After the procedure:
Your care team will provide specific instructions before your visit.
Most procedures don’t take long (less than an hour), but you’ll have a short recovery period and will talk with your clinical team several times during your visit. \
Many patients notice relief shortly after — reduced pressure, easier breathing, or less bloating.
Yes. It is a low-risk outpatient procedure. Rare risks include infection, bleeding, or injury to nearby tissue.
Yes. It is a low-risk outpatient procedure. Rare risks include infection, bleeding, or lung complications such as pneumothorax.
Call if you have fever, chest pain, worsening shortness of breath, or redness or swelling at the site.
