What is the definition or description of: paracentesis?

Definition provided: Paracentesis is a procedure where accumulated fluid in the abdominal cavity is removed. Most often the fluid is an abnormal build-up of ascites, which can occur in liver, heart and occasionally kidney failure, may be present as part of malignancy or other rarer conditions. It entails identifying a pocket of fluid, sometimes under x-ray guidance, and then having a needle or catheter inserted.

Fluid removal: Paracentesis is the removal of fluid from the abdominal cavity. It can be done for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, as the presence of significant free fluid in the abdomen is usually a sign of serious disease within it.

Paracentesis: is the removal of abnormal fluid from the abdominal cavity, either for diagnostic purposes or to alleviate symptoms("therapeutic" paracentesis). This is typically performed with a needle using ultrasound guidance. With larger amounts of fluid, image guidance may not be necessary. There are multiple causes of abnormal fluid(ascites) in the abdomen, liver failure/cirrhosis is one example.