To do or perform an abdominal tap the doctor will insert a tap needle 1 to 2 inches into your abdomen.
Sometimes a small cut will be done to help insert the needle.
Then the fluid is pulled out into a syringe and the needle is then removed.
An abdominal tap is not painful and the area where the abdominal tap needle is inserted will be numbed before the needle is inserted.
An abdominal tap is a procedure that taps into your abdomen or stomach using a needle.
Abdominal taps are also known paracentesis and is done to remove fluid from your abdominal cavity.
A surgeon or doctor performs the abdominal tap or paracentesis to treat a condition called ascites which is when you have too much fluid in your abdomen.
Symptoms of ascites are abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and swelling in the abdomen.
Abdominal taps are not painful and don't hurt.
There are 2 kinds of abdominal taps which include a Diagnostic tap where A small amount of fluid is taken and sent to the laboratory for testing.
Large volume tap where Several liters may be removed to relieve abdominal pain and fluid buildup and shortness of breath caused by a large volume of ascites.
To perform an abdominal tap the doctor will insert a tap needle 1 to 2 inches into your abdomen.
Sometimes a small cut will be done to help insert the needle.
Then the fluid is pulled out into a syringe and the needle is then removed.
The preferred site for an abdominal tap or paracentesis is the right or left lower quadrant of the abdomen lateral to the rectus sheath and superior to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).
The 2 recommended areas of entry for paracentesis are the following: 2 cm below the umbilicus through the linea alba in the midline.