Pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in pleural cavity. Pleurocentesis is surgical outpatient procedure to remove fluid or air from pleural or chest wall cavity.

Signs and symptoms: Small pleural effusions are usually asymptomatic. Large pleural effusions may cause dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and dry cough.

Patient evaluation: General appearance, vital signs, fever, pulse oximetry.

Diagnostics: Chest x-ray; PA and lateral. Pleural fluid cause blunting of the costophrenic angles on chest x-ray. Blunting usually indicates that at least 300 ml of fluid is present.

Current CBC with platelets and differential, serum LDH, albumin, glucose, PT/PTT, chemistries as clinically indicated.

• You are explained about purpose, risks/ benefits and steps of the procedure.
• You do not need restrict fluids or diet.
• You are requested to give proper consent.
• Anaesthetic drug is infiltrated before doing the procedure to minimize the pain

• You are advised for chest x-ray to see fluid level or pneumothorax.
• Specimens collected into sterile containers are sent to laboratory for various investigations to diagnose pathology.
• You have to come and consult doctor if any breathing difficulty or excess cough.
• Appointment will be given to you once reports come.