A Recommendation Against the Use of Dilation for Ultrasound-Guided Paracentesis

[摘要] As physicians who frequently perform bedside paracenteses, we read with great interest the article by Millington and Koenig¹ in a previous issue of CHEST (July 2018). The article includes important ultrasound techniques for bedside paracentesis. Nevertheless, we think technique 7, wherein the authors describe dilation prior to catheter insertion, should be stated with caution. This technique seems to imply that routine paracentesis should be performed using pigtail catheters inserted by the Seldinger technique. Although the description of the Seldinger technique is correct, this procedural technique is uncommon and may add additional risk without any clear benefit for routine paracentesis.

[学科分类] 呼吸医学