US Medical Term · procedures
Thoracentesis
Toracocentesis
Also: Toracentesis (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Thoracentesis |
| Spanish (Español) | Toracocentesis |
| Chinese (中文) | 胸腔穿刺術 |
| Korean (한국어) | 흉강천자술 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Chọc dịch màng phổi |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Thoracentesis |
| Portuguese (Português) | Toracocentese |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การเจาะน้ำในช่องเยื่อหุ้มปอด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 胸腔穿刺術 |
What it means
Thoracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin needle or tube is inserted through the chest wall into the space between the lungs and the chest wall (the pleural space) to remove excess fluid. This fluid buildup, called a pleural effusion, can result from infection, heart failure, cancer, or other conditions. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Ultrasound guidance is commonly used to locate the fluid precisely and improve safety. Removing the fluid relieves symptoms such as shortness of breath. Fluid samples may be sent to a lab for analysis. Patients typically go home the same day. A chest X-ray is done afterward to ensure no complications such as collapsed lung occurred.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I am having trouble breathing because of fluid around my lungs and my doctor wants to do a thoracentesis.
Tengo dificultad para respirar por el líquido alrededor de mis pulmones y mi médico quiere hacer una toracocentesis.
Will I be awake during the thoracentesis and will it be painful?
¿Estaré despierto durante la toracocentesis y será doloroso?
How soon will my breathing improve after thoracentesis?
¿Qué tan pronto mejorará mi respiración después de la toracocentesis?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026