• A procedure in which a thin needle or tube is put into the abdomen to remove fluid from the peritoneal cavity (the space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, the stomach, and the liver).
  NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
• A procedure in which fluid is withdrawn from a body cavity or organ via a trocar and cannula, needle, or other hollow instrument.
  NLM Medical Subject Headings
  U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
• The removal of excess fluid via needle puncture from any body cavity.
  NCI
  U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
• Abdominal paracentesis is used to obtain ascitic fluid for testing. It also can be used to remove tense ascites causing respiratory difficulties or pain or as a treatment for chronic ascites.
  Merck Manuals
  Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
• Paracentesis is a procedure in which a needle or catheter is inserted into the peritoneal cavity to obtain ascitic fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Ascitic fluid may be used to help determine the etiology of ascites, as well as to evaluate for infection or presence of cancer.
  Medscape
  WebMD, 2025