Paracentesis: The Procedure

Discussion: The Z-track method minimizes fluid leakage from the puncture site. Injecting medication into the skin using this method is important to preventing post-procedure leaking. Once a needle has entered subcutaneous tissue and muscle, it opens a track that may not reseal immediately. There are also studies suggesting that Z tracks may reduce pain during injection. We suggest using the method during your paracentesis procedure.Z tracks are used for all kinds of intramuscular injections and can be applied to other sites on the body. Pull and press the skin and tissue 2 cm caudad to the deep abdominal wall and insert the needle (A). Fluid returning in the syringe means you are in the peritoneum, and you can release traction (B). Z tracks help seal the track and prevent persistent fluid leaks (C, D). Courtesy of Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care, 7th edition, Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier, 2018.Tags: paracentesis, ascites, ultrasound, abdomen, linea alba, lateral rectus, infraumbilibal approach, anterior superior iliac spine, Z-track method, needle apparatus, aspirating fluid, cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, nephrosis, neoplasmPublished: 3/3/2020 2:22:00 PM
Source: The Procedural Pause - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs