What is the procedure called that involves a surgical puncture into the abdomen to remove fluid?

The procedure known as abdominocentesis is specifically designed for the purpose of surgically puncturing the abdomen to extract fluid. This technique is often employed when there is a need to analyze fluid present in the abdominal cavity, which may occur due to various medical conditions, such as infections, tumors, or organ disease.

Abdominocentesis allows healthcare professionals to collect samples of peritoneal fluid for diagnostic testing, which can provide critical insights into the patient's health status. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions and may involve ultrasound guidance to locate fluid areas effectively, ensuring safety and precision in obtaining the sample.

In contrast, laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to examine the organs inside the abdomen or to perform various surgical procedures, rather than solely for fluid removal. Colonoscopy and gastroscopy are procedures focused on examining the colon and stomach, respectively, and are not related to the extraction of fluid from the abdomen. Therefore, abdominocentesis is the correct term for the procedure described in the question.