This Article  • References  • Full text PDF  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in JAMA  Social Bookmarking   What's this?

Philip A. Schechter, MD
University of Colorado Medical Center

Ernest E. Moore, MD
University of Colorado Medical Center Denver General Hospital Denver

JAMA. 1978;240(8):736.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

To the Editor.—

The Surgical Service at Denver General Hospital has been aware of the potential complications of abdominal paracentesis. Although the primary use of this procedure by us has been in patients with abdominal trauma, the technique we use could be applicable to patients with medical indications. Our method is particularly appropriate in those with previous surgery, gastrointestinal distension, or clotting abnormalities.

The interesting review of serious "Complications of Diagnostic Paracentesis in Patients With Liver Disease" by Mallory and Schaefer (239:628, 1978) is a valuable contribution, as it emphasizes that paracentesis is not a benign procedure. In high-risk patients with adhesions from previous surgery, we believe that the "mini lap technique"^1,2 is a safer method. The peritoneum is opened in the midline under direct visualization, and a dialysis catheter is advanced carefully into the abdominal cavity. In cases where hemorrhage is a potential complication, optimal hemostasis is best achieved . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter     What's this?