The Medical Imaging Department of Community Memorial Hospital is committed to the needs of its customers through listening and responding to their needs in an innovative, timely manner. The department strives to provide competent, caring, state-of-the-art service to its customers.
A signed written order from the physician is required for all Medical Imaging procedures.
Paracentesis/Thoracentesis/Abcess Drainage is performed by a radiologist via local anesthesia. A catheter is placed and fluid is removed for testing. Most patients experience increased comfort once the excess fluid has been removed. CT or Ultrasound is used for the guidance for the placement of the drainage catheter. The nurse would assess the patient, offer medication; the radiologist would talk with the patient and family, and obtain an informed consent. The procedure would be performed and the patient would rest for a few hours, post procedure in an observation bed. The actual procedure takes from 30 minutes to an hour, post recovery time would be three to five hours, so the total time would be five to seven hours that the patient would be here.
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