How To Do Paracentesis By Zubair Malik, MD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University Reviewed / Revised Feb 2023 View Patient Education Indications Contraindications Complications Equipment Additional Considerations Positioning Relevant Anatomy Step-by-Step Description of Procedure Aftercare Warnings and Common Errors Tips and Tricks Topic Resources Paracentesis Paracentesis is removal of peritoneal fluid (ascites or ascitic fluid) from the abdomen with percutaneous needle aspiration.