title: [Thoracentesis].
abstract: Thoracentesis is a procedure consisting in the insertion of a needle in the pleural space. It is used to remove and analyse pleural fluid. Based on a review of the literature, this article describes the indications, the contraindications, the complications and the technique of this commonly performed procedure.
authors.affiliation: Service de médecine interne, Département de médecine, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. cyril.pellaton@chuv.ch
authors.forename: Cyril
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pellaton
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Monti
authors.forename: Jean-William
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Fitting
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019152:Paracentesis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D035422:Pleural Cavity