Learn about Pleural Tap Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Pleural Tap and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Pleural Tap

A pleural tap, also known as thoracentesis, is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure performed by a pulmonologist to remove excess fluid (pleural effusion) or air from the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall. This buildup can compress the lung, causing breathing difficulties, chest pain, and other complications. Using ultrasound guidance for precision and safety, the doctor inserts a thin needle or catheter through the chest wall to drain the fluid or air. The extracted sample is often sent for laboratory analysis to determine the cause, which can range from infections like pneumonia to conditions such as heart failure, cancer, or pulmonary embolism. The procedure provides rapid symptom relief and is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Key Highlights

    Provides rapid relief from symptoms like shortness of breath and chest discomfort.Offers both diagnostic information and therapeutic benefit in a single procedure.Minimally invasive with a relatively short procedure time.Typically performed under local anesthesia, avoiding general anesthesia risks.Often utilizes ultrasound guidance for enhanced accuracy and safety.Can be performed as an outpatient procedure in many cases./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosing the cause of an unexplained pleural effusion (fluid buildup).
  • Relieving significant shortness of breath or respiratory distress caused by a large effusion.
  • Suspected infection (empyema) or malignancy (cancerous effusion).
  • Evaluating for conditions like tuberculosis, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism.
  • Assessing for hemothorax (blood in the pleural space) after trauma.
  • Therapeutic drainage in cases of recurrent effusions.

How to prepare

  • Review of medical history, medications (especially blood thinners), and allergies.
  • Recent chest imaging (X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound) to locate the fluid.
  • Blood tests, including coagulation profile (INR, platelets) to assess bleeding risk.
  • Fasting may be required for a few hours if sedation is planned.
  • Informed consent process explaining the procedure, benefits, and risks.
  • Positioning the patient comfortably, usually sitting upright and leaning forward.

Risks & possible complications

  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) – the most common significant complication.
  • Bleeding or hematoma at the puncture site.
  • Infection at the site or introduction of infection into the pleural space.
  • Cough or chest pain during or after the procedure.
  • Rare risks include injury to the liver or spleen (with low punctures), re-expansion pulmonary edema, or vasovagal reaction.
  • Possible failure to obtain adequate fluid or recurrence of the effusion.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Immediate monitoring of vital signs and breathing for 1-2 hours post-procedure.
  • A post-procedure chest X-ray is often taken to check for pneumothorax.
  • Keep the puncture site clean and dry for 24 hours.
  • Report any fever, increased shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood immediately.
  • Most patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours if no complications arise.
  • Follow-up with the pulmonologist to discuss lab results and further treatment plans.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (often outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering pleural tap in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pleural tap compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 54 – USD 272 0-1 days (often outpatient) ~ 1-2 days Know More
Turkey USD 403 – USD 2,013 0-1 days (often outpatient) ~ 1-2 days Know More

Top hospitals for Pleural Tap in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing pleural tap.

PATIENT REVIEW

A 28-year-old female software engineer from...

A 28-year-old female software engineer from Bangalore presented with persistent dry cough and exertional dyspnea. Dr. Manimaran diagnosed hypersensitivity pneumonitis from chronic exposure to mold in her air-conditioned office. Treatment involved environmental modifications and a short course of corticosteroids, with complete resolution of symptoms within three weeks.

Pulmonologists for Pleural Tap

Explore experienced pulmonologists who regularly perform pleural tap and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Nandini Biswas
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

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Dr. Angshuman Mukherjee
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Koushik N S
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

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Dr. Preetham Acharya
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

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Dr. Sheetal Chaurasia
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

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Dr. Arnab Bera
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

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Dr. Vikas Pilaniya
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

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Dr. Davinder Kundra
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

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Dr. Ramesh B R
  • 34 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

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Dr. Rajesh Agrawal
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri

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Dr. Vijay Singh Baid Singh
  • 41 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

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Dr. Subhasish Ghosh
  • 35 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Manjunath B G
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

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Dr. Elakya
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem

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Dr. Shelly Shamim
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Nirmala
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

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Dr. Ayush Goel
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Shivaraj Kumar Kv
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

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Dr. Debraj Jash
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, English, Hindi, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

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Dr. Akshatha P Kumar
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

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