Paracentesis; Risks & Complications of Paracentesis

2) Bladder or bowel punctures

There is also a risk of puncturing the bowel or the bladder, especially if the patient has an underlying bowel disease or has not emptied their bladder. Thus, voiding before the procedure is required, and sometimes catheter placement would be recommended in patients who can’t comply. Scarring areas after surgery will be spared because they often have adherent bowel underneath. In difficult patients and those with small volumes of fluid, ultrasound-guided removal is recommended to prevent complications.