4. During the Procedure
Most people will have thoracentesis done as an outpatient procedure, which means that you will go home the same day. It may also be done during a stay at the hospital.
The procedure may be done in several ways depending on your condition. In most cases, you will put on a hospital gown and you may be given oxygen either through a mask or nasal tube. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing will be monitored during the procedure. You will be sitting in a hospital bed when the procedure is done. Your arms are placed on a table that is over the bed. This helps to spread the ribs, where the needle will be inserted.
The skin will be cleaned and a numbing solution will be injected. Once the area is numb a needle will be put through the space between the ribs in your back. The fluid will be drawn into the needle. Once the fluid is removed, the needle is removed.