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

About Ascites Tap

An ascites tap, also known as paracentesis, is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure performed by a gastroenterologist to remove excess fluid (ascites) from the abdominal cavity. This fluid buildup is often a complication of advanced liver disease, heart failure, cancer, or kidney disease. The procedure involves inserting a thin needle or catheter through the abdominal wall under local anesthesia, guided by ultrasound for precision and safety. The removed fluid is sent for laboratory analysis to determine the cause of the ascites, which is crucial for guiding further treatment. For patients, therapeutic paracentesis provides significant relief from abdominal discomfort, pressure, and breathing difficulties, improving quality of life. It is a common, relatively quick outpatient procedure with a low risk profile when performed by a specialist.

Key Highlights

    Provides rapid relief from abdominal discomfort, pressure, and shortness of breath.Offers crucial diagnostic information by analyzing the fluid's composition.Minimally invasive procedure with no large incisions required.Typically performed under local anesthesia, avoiding general anesthesia risks.Often done as an outpatient procedure, allowing for a quick return home.Guided by ultrasound for enhanced precision and safety./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnostic evaluation of new-onset ascites to determine the cause (e.g., liver cirrhosis, infection, cancer).
  • Therapeutic relief of symptoms like abdominal distension, pain, or respiratory compromise due to large-volume ascites.
  • Suspected spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), a serious infection of the ascitic fluid.
  • Management of refractory ascites that does not respond adequately to diuretic medication.
  • Evaluation for malignant ascites in patients with known or suspected cancer.

How to prepare

  • Review of medical history, medications (especially blood thinners), and allergies with the gastroenterologist.
  • Blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation profile, to check for bleeding risk.
  • An ultrasound scan is usually performed beforehand to map the fluid and identify a safe entry point.
  • Patients may be asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
  • Emptying the bladder just before the procedure to reduce risk of injury.
  • Signing a consent form after the procedure, risks, and benefits are explained.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding or hematoma at the puncture site.
  • Infection (peritonitis) at the site or within the abdominal cavity.
  • Accidental puncture of the bowel, bladder, or a blood vessel (rare with ultrasound guidance).
  • Persistent leakage of ascitic fluid from the puncture site.
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure) or kidney dysfunction after removing a large volume of fluid, often managed with albumin infusion.
  • Localized pain or discomfort during or after the procedure.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Vital signs (blood pressure, pulse) are monitored for a few hours post-procedure.
  • The puncture site is covered with a sterile dressing; keep it clean and dry for 24 hours.
  • Patients can usually resume normal diet and activities shortly after, as advised by the doctor.
  • Report any signs of infection (fever, increased redness/pain at site), severe abdominal pain, dizziness, or continued fluid leakage.
  • Follow-up is essential to discuss the fluid analysis results and plan long-term management of the underlying condition.
  • For large-volume taps, intravenous albumin may be given to help maintain blood volume and kidney function.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering ascites tap in Turkey, 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 ascites tap compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 54 – USD 218 0-1 days (typically outpatient) ~ 1-2 days Know More
Turkey USD 403 – USD 1,611 0-1 days (typically outpatient) ~ 1-2 days Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

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Gastroenterologists for Ascites Tap

Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform ascites tap and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.

Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ümit Koç
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Available Today
January: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara

OPD-desk synced • Updated