Thoracentesis

Indications

Insert

Contraindications

Insert

Equipment Needed

1. Labs
   1. Protein, glucose, LDH, gram stain, culture, cell count, amylase, pH, TB, fungal, cytology

Procedure

Insert

Complications

1. pneumothorax
2. cough (9%)
3. unilateral pulmonary edema
4. reexpansion hypotension
5. transient hypoxia from V-Q mismatch
6. hemothorax
7. infection (2%)
8. hemoperitoneum

See Also

Pleural Effusion

Source

Robert and Hedges, p.145 (130-147)