Doctors will perform various types of surgeries and procedures depending upon the primary goal of your mesothelioma treatment. One example is palliative surgery. Palliative surgery is aimed at relieving the symptoms of mesothelioma and providing relief for the patient.
Paracentesis is a palliative surgery performed on patients of peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the stomach and abdomen. During this procedure, a long, thin needle is inserted into the belly to drain accumulated fluid. This fluid, known as ascites, can negatively impact the stomach, kidneys and intestines. Draining the ascites provides the mesothelioma patient with relief from the pain and pressure of having extra fluid.
In order to prepare for paracentesis, you need to tell your mesothelioma doctor:
- If you are taking any medication
- If you have any allergic reactions to medicines, including numbing medicines
- If you have any bleeding problems, or are taking blood thinners or aspirin
- If you are pregnant
Your doctor will numb the area before inserting the needle, and then drain the fluid. Depending upon the amount of fluid to be drained, the procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to days. Paracentesis can be performed in the doctor’s office, the hospital or an emergency room.
Remember to follow your post-operative care instructions carefully, and let your doctor know of any issues you have after the procedure. Also, make sure to document all the information you receive during and after the procedure for future reference.
