paracentesis

(par"ah-sen-te's is) [G. para, beside, kenlesis, puncture.] Tapping, the pa age into a cavity of a trocar and cannula or other hollow instrument for the purpose of removing fluid. The operation is variously designated, according to the cavity punctured, p. abdom'in is, of the abdomen, p. cap'it is, of the head or skull, cep halo centesis. p. cord is, of the heart, cardiocentesis. p. pericar'dil, of the pericardium, per i cardiocentesis, p. pulmo'nis, of the limg, pneumocentesis. p. thora'cis, of the chest, thoracentesis. p. tym'pan i, of the middle ear. p. vesi'cse, of the bladder.