All locations will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28.

Chest Fluid Drainage (Thoracentesis) - Benefits and Risks

Benefits

  • Thoracentesis is generally a safe procedure.
  • No surgical incision is needed.

Risks

  • Any procedure where the skin is penetrated carries a risk of infection. The chance of infection requiring antibiotic treatment appears to be less than one in 1,000.