Pleural puncture, thoracentesis, pulmonology, lung treatment, sleeping sickness

Pleural puncture, also known as thoracentesis, is a medical procedure used to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space, which is the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This procedure may be performed for diagnostic purposes, such as determining the cause of fluid accumulation, or for therapeutic purposes, to facilitate breathing and reduce discomfort in patients with conditions such as pleurisy, pneumonia, or cancer. During the procedure, the doctor uses a needle and syringe to precisely puncture the pleural space, enabling efficient fluid removal. This procedure is usually quick, minimally invasive and can significantly improve the patient's comfort and quality of life.

Pleural puncture is performed as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure to remove excess fluid or air from the pleural space, which is located between the lungs and the chest wall. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions, usually in a hospital environment, and the doctor uses a needle and a syringe to precisely puncture the pleural space. Before the procedure begins, the process is explained to the patient and consent to the procedure is obtained. During the puncture, the patient usually sits or lies in a comfortable position. The doctor will first determine the puncture point by palpation, often in the lower parts of the chest, in order to avoid important structures. After local anesthesia, the needle is introduced into the pleural space, and the liquid is sucked into the syringe. In some cases, fluid samples are sent for analysis to determine the cause of the build-up, while in therapeutic cases, a larger amount of fluid may be removed to facilitate breathing and reduce patient discomfort.

This procedure is performed for a variety of reasons, including suspected pleural effusion, pneumonia, malignancy, or trauma. Pleural puncture can significantly improve patient comfort, allowing easier breathing and reducing symptoms associated with fluid accumulation, such as pain and shortness of breath. It also allows doctors to obtain important diagnostic information that can influence the further treatment plan.

The duration of a pleural puncture is usually between 15 and 30 minutes. The procedure includes preparation of the patient, explanation of the procedure, local anesthesia, the puncture itself and possibly sending fluid samples for analysis. After the puncture is complete, the patient is usually monitored for a few minutes to ensure there are no complications before being discharged. Although the procedure is fast and efficient, the duration may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the condition of the patient.