The gastroenterologist will first numb the area of the belly where the needle will be inserted. The paracentesis needle is inserted, usually guided by ultrasound imaging. Up to 1 gallon of fluid can be drained at a time.

What department does paracentesis?

The procedure can be performed in a doctor's office, the X-ray department of a hospital, in the emergency room, at your bedside in the hospital or in the interventional radiology suite at the hospital. RIA Endovascular interventional radiologists perform paracentesis in the radiology suites in local hospitals.

What kind of doctor treats ascites?

People with ascites should be routinely followed by their primary physician and any specialists that may be involved in their care. Gastroenterologists (specialists in gastrointestinal diseases) and hepatologist (liver specialists) commonly see patients with ascites due to liver disease.