centesis

Definitions of centesis

1. noun

   (surgery) the act of puncturing a body cavity or organ with a hollow needle in order to draw out fluid
   types:

   abdominocentesis, paracentesis

   centesis of the belly to remove fluid for diagnosis

   amnio, amniocentesis

   (pregnancy) extraction by centesis of amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman (after the 15th week of pregnancy) to aid in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities

   arthrocentesis

   removal of fluid from a joint by centesis

   celiocentesis

   removal of fluid from the abdomen by centesis

   lumbar puncture, spinal puncture, spinal tap

   removal by centesis of fluid from the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region of the spinal cord for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes

   thoracentesis, thoracocentesis

   removal of fluid from the chest by centesis for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes

   type of:

   puncture

   the act of puncturing or perforating