ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information for performing thoracentesis. It begins with a case scenario of a 61-year-old female smoker with a right pulmonary nodule who is presented with dyspnea and orthopnea. A chest radiograph reveals opacification of the right costo-phrenic recess. The chapter then includes details on indications, contraindications, and information about supplies, positioning and technique. Pearls and pitfalls are also incorporated, providing additional insights and practical advice not always available in other textbooks or articles. A small pneumothorax after thoracocentesis can be followed with serial chest radiographs. A large, growing, or symptomatic pneumothorax requires management with tube thoracostomy.
