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Pleural fluid analysis - Risks
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What the risks are:
The risks of thoracentesis are:
Collapse of the lung (pneumothorax)
Excessive loss of blood
Fluid re-accumulation
Infection
Pulmonary edema
Respiratory distress
Serious complications are uncommon.
Reviewed last on: 11/12/2007
Andrew Schriber, M.D., F.C.C.P., Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, New Jersey. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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