About Ascites Tap
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
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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.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with gastroenterology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ascites tap. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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.
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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.
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Liv Hospital Ankara
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Liv Hospital Ankara