Ascitic Tapping Treatment in Turkey
About Ascitic Tapping
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with a small puncture site.Provides both diagnostic information and therapeutic relief.Typically performed under local anesthesia, minimizing discomfort.Often guided by ultrasound for enhanced safety and accuracy.Can be done as an outpatient procedure, often requiring no overnight hospital stay.Offers rapid relief from symptoms like abdominal distension, pain, and shortness of breath./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 symptomatic tense ascites causing abdominal discomfort, pain, or respiratory compromise.
- Suspected spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), a serious infection of the ascitic fluid.
- Evaluation for malignant ascites in patients with known or suspected cancer.
- Management of ascites refractory to diuretic medication and dietary salt restriction.
How to prepare
- A thorough medical history and physical examination will be conducted.
- Blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation profile (INR), are often required to check for bleeding risk.
- An ultrasound may be performed before the procedure to locate the largest fluid pocket and mark the safest entry site.
- Patients should inform the doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin, which may need to be temporarily stopped.
- Fasting is usually not required for a diagnostic tap but may be advised for a large-volume therapeutic paracentesis.
- Written informed consent is obtained after explaining the procedure, benefits, and risks.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the puncture site or within the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
- Bleeding or hematoma formation, though significant bleeding is rare.
- Persistent leakage of ascitic fluid from the puncture site.
- Accidental puncture of the bowel, bladder, or a blood vessel (reduced with ultrasound guidance).
- Hypotension (low blood pressure) or kidney dysfunction after removing a large volume of fluid, often managed with albumin infusion.
- Rare complications include a sudden drop in blood pressure (paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Patients are monitored for 1-4 hours post-procedure for vital signs and any immediate complications.
- The puncture site is covered with a sterile dressing; patients should keep it clean and dry for 24 hours.
- Mild discomfort or bruising at the site is common and resolves quickly.
- Patients can usually resume normal activities and diet the same day or the next day.
- It is important to report any signs of infection (fever, redness, swelling), severe pain, dizziness, or continued fluid leakage to the doctor immediately.
- Follow-up is scheduled to discuss the laboratory results of the ascitic fluid and plan further management.
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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 ascitic tapping in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for ascitic tapping in Turkey include VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa, Medical Park Trabzon, Medical Park Bahçelievler, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ascitic tapping. 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 ascitic tapping compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Ascitic Tapping in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing ascitic tapping.
Instabul, Turkey
150 Doctors
Aditya Kumar, a 58-year-old retired schoolteacher...
Aditya Kumar, a 58-year-old retired schoolteacher and devoted grandfather, had been managing his alcoholic liver disease for five years. Over the past month, he noticed his abdomen swelling dramatically, making it difficult to breathe, eat, or even button his pants. His legs also swelled, and he felt constantly full and short of breath. His gastroenterologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that this fluid buildup, called ascites, was a complication of his cirrhosis and needed to be drained both for his comfort and to test for infection. Aditya was terrified of needles and the idea of a procedure near his vital organs. During the ascitic tap, he was given a local anesthetic and felt only pressure. The removal of 4 liters of fluid was an immediate, profound relief; he could take a deep breath for the first time in weeks. Post-procedure, he felt significantly more comfortable and mobile. While emotionally drained and confronting the reality of his advancing liver disease, the physical relief brought a sense of hope and a renewed commitment to his treatment plan, strengthening his bond with his care team.
Gastroenterologists for Ascitic Tapping
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform ascitic tapping and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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