Paracentesis VIDEO Absolute contraindications to paracentesis include Severe, uncorrectable disorders of blood coagulation An infected abdominal wall Intestinal obstruction (unless an area of peritoneal fluid that can be safely entered has been identified using imaging studies) Poor patient cooperation, surgical scarring over the puncture area, large intra-abdominal masses, and severe portal hypertension with abdominal collateral circulation are relative contraindications.