Chronic liver disease can often cause a build-up of fluid in the abdomen known as ascites.
Ascites can cause significant discomfort, and in many cases it is necessary for the excess fluid to be removed via a drain.
Our dedicated ultrasound guided paracentesis service is delivered by the liver specialist nurses and arranged as a day case in the same day emergency care units at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and Friarage Hospital in Northallerton
The drain is placed with local anaesthetic and provides immediate relief of the symptoms of ascites.
In addition to providing high quality care, the specialist nurses regularly train clinical colleagues to perform paracentesis and provide an in-reach service for large volume paracentesis throughout the hospital.