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Discharge Instructions for Thoracentesis

 

What is thoracentesis?

Thoracentesis (say "thor-uh-sen-TEE-sis") is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space). This procedure may also be called a "chest tap." It is normal to have a small amount of fluid in the pleural space. However, sometimes too much fluid can build up because of problems such as infection, heart failure, or lung cancer.

Your doctor may remove fluid to:

  • Help with shortness of breath and pain caused by the fluid buildup
  • Test the fluid to find the cause of the buildup.

 

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed.

 

Recovering from Anesthesia

 

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off.

You may have also gotten a sedative to help you relax and pain medication to ease pain. These are usually given in a vein (by IV).

 

Common side effects from sedation include:

  • Feeling sleepy. Your doctors and nurses will make sure you are not too sleepy to go home.
  • Nausea and vomiting. This usually does not last long. It can be treated with over-the-counter medication. Read and follow all instructions on label. 

 

If you received sedation, for the next 24 hours please avoid:

  • Alcoholic beverages;
  • Making important personal, business, and legal decisions;
  • Driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing anything that requires coordination and balance.

 

Recovery Instructions 

Pain/Discomfort:

  • You may have mild to moderate pain where the tubing entered your skin (insertion site). This will improve over the next few days. Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, it may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better.
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is an over-the-counter medication that you may take if needed for pain. If you are unable to take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) due to a medical condition like liver disease, ask your doctor for recommendations. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on label. 

 

Diet:

  • You can eat and drink fluids as tolerated, unless your doctor gives you other instructions.

 

Activity:

  • Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 24 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
  • Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting for 1 week.
  • You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.
  • You can go back to normal activities tomorrow (including driving), unless your doctor gives you other instructions. 

 

Caring for the insertion site:

  • You may have a small amount of bruising or tenderness at the insertion site. This is normal and should go away over the next few days.
  • Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • Gently clean the site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
  • Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
  • Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely.
  • Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
  • Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.

 

Follow-Up Care

  • Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Test results may take up to 5 business days to come back. If you have not heard from your referring doctor by that time, please contact them for results.
  • If fluid builds up in your chest again, your doctor may repeat this procedure.
  • Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medications you take.

 

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if you:

  • You have severe trouble breathing.
  • You pass out (lose consciousness).
  • You have sudden, very bad chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.

 

Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if you have:

  • You have shortness of breath that is new or getting worse.
  • You start sweating, your face changes color, and/or you have sudden anxiety.
  • Blood has soaked through the bandage. Apply pressure to the area if you see it bleeding.
  • You have very bad pain in the area.
  • You have symptoms of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the area.
    • Pus draining or red streaks leading from the area.
    • A fever greater than 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications lasting longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches.

 

You can speak to a provider in Interventional Radiology:

 

  • Manhattan:
    • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
    • Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Vascular Interventional Radiologist on call.

 

  • Long Island (Mineola): 
    • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 516-663-2452.
    • Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 516-663-0333 and ask the front desk to contact the Vascular Interventional Radiologist on-call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.

 

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.