Thoracentesis complications

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2]

Complications

Major complications-

• Bleeding (intra thoracic or intra abdominal)

• pneumothorax (3-30%),
• hemopneumothorax,
• hemorrhage
• pleural space infection
• puncture of diaphragm, spleen or liver (can be prevented by use of ultrasound guidance )
• hypotension (low blood pressure due to a vasovagal response)
• re-expansion pulmonary edema.(when large amounts of pleural fluid is removed, should not remove more than 1.5l/day)

Minor complications-

• dry tap (no fluid return),
• subcutaneous hematoma or seroma
• pain at the site of needle insertion
• anxiety, dyspnea and cough (after removing large volume of fluid)