The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. This disease occurs when mesothelioma affects the pleura (an area which surrounds the lungs and other organs). One of the parts of the pleural mesothelioma which can cause the symptoms felt by the patient is when the pleura fills with fluid. This can cause shortness of breath as well as pain in the chest. If left untreated, the pain will become intense and will possibly harden which will cause even more complications in the health of the patient. This is when the doctor might prescribe pleurocentesis.
The main objective of pleurocentesis is to offer a release of the pressure which causes many of the symptoms pleural mesothelioma sufferers complain of. While the release of the pressure will allow the patient to feel better, it will also give the doctor something to examine. They will be able to tell more about what they are dealing with by looking at the fluid and seeing what kinds of cells are present in the fluid. Generally, the procedure is not very invasive and will take up less than a half hour out of the day. Best of all, the patient will feel much better after the procedure is complete.
What Pleurocentesis is
When you go through pleurocentesis, you will be going through a procedure to remove the fluid in the pleura. This is accomplished through the use of a long needle. The doctor will have you lean over a table. You will be asked to put pressure on the chest cavity in order to help in the removal of the fluid. The needle will be inserted in between the ribs in order to pierce the pleura. Depending on how much fluid there is in the pleura, the entire procedure may take up to 30 minutes to complete. While you will not feel any pain, you may feel discomfort during the procedure in the form of pressure or tightness.
What Happens After Pleurocentesis
Immediately after the procedure, the area around the insertion will be cleaned and bandaged to avoid possible infections from occurring. You will be instructed to do nothing for the next 24 hours but rest. In some cases, you may be asked to stay in a hospital so that your needs will be met without you having to cook and take care of the home. The possible problems you can face when in recovery is an infection in your lung or collapse. You also face a general infection in the area as well as internal or external bleeding.
Frequency of Pleurocentesis
It generally takes a while for the pleura to fill with fluid. This means after you go through a procedure, you will likely not have to face it for at least a few more months. When you do go back through it, you will have less to worry about. The outpatient procedure is easier to deal with when you have been through it before and know what to expect.