Medical Terminology · Digestive System · Hard
Paracentesis
Meaning: A procedure using a needle to drain fluid from the abdominal cavity.
In practice: Paracentesis relieved the abdominal swelling caused by ascites in the patient with advanced liver disease.
Word parts
- para- means beside or near
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related medical terminology words.
Which word means: Examination of the inside of the large bowel using a flexible camera inserted through the anus.
Answer: Colonoscopy
Which word means: Deliberate blocking of a blood vessel to stop bleeding or cut off a tumour's blood supply.
Answer: Embolisation
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