Publication:

Peritoneal paracentesis in acute abdomen: descriptive clinical study

Background Peritoneal paracentesis is a safe procedure even in cases of intestinal obstruction, where there is a chance of puncturing the bowel. Many clinical studies have shown the safety of abdominal paracentesis in intestinal obstruction.

Methods All patients who present with acute abdomen including blunt trauma to abdomen and post-operative cases are included for study and those who give consent for study. A total of 50 cases were studied during the period.

Results In the present study of 50 cases, we could aspirate the characteristic fluid in all 50 cases. The most common type of fluid we aspirated was bilious in 27 cases. Hemorrhagic fluid in 08 cases, feculent in 03 cases and purulent fluid was seen in 08 cases.

Conclusions Peritoneal tapping is a diagnostic aid in acute abdomen.