Service

Pleural Aspiration

Pleural aspiration (a pleural tap or thoracentesis) removes fluid that has collected in the space between the lung and the chest wall. It does two jobs at once — relieving the breathlessness the fluid causes, and providing a sample for the laboratory to find out why the fluid is there.

When it is recommended

Fluid around the lung (pleural effusion) causing breathlessness
An effusion of unknown cause that needs investigation
Suspected infection or malignancy in the pleural fluid

What it involves

After numbing the skin with local anaesthetic, a thin needle or small tube is passed into the fluid — often with ultrasound guidance — and the fluid is gently drained. It usually takes 15–30 minutes.

What to expect

Relief of breathlessness is often immediate. A chest X-ray afterwards checks the lung, and the fluid is sent for tests that help pinpoint the cause and guide further treatment.

Getting ready

Tell us about blood-thinning medicines
Continue your usual medicines unless advised otherwise
You can usually eat and drink normally beforehand