What medical procedure involves puncturing a cavity to remove fluid?

The procedure that involves puncturing a cavity to remove fluid is known as paracentesis. This medical intervention is typically performed to extract excess fluid that has accumulated in the abdominal cavity, which can occur due to conditions such as liver disease, infection, or cancer. During paracentesis, a needle is carefully inserted through the abdominal wall into the cavity, allowing the physician to drain fluid for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This can help relieve pressure and discomfort for the patient while also providing valuable information about the nature of the fluid, which can aid in diagnosis.

Phlebotomy involves drawing blood from a vein for testing or donation, which does not involve puncturing a cavity to remove fluid. Endoscopy refers to a procedure that uses an instrument to visualize the interior of a hollow organ or cavity, typically for examination rather than fluid removal. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that also allows for visual access to the abdominal cavity, but it is primarily used for surgical interventions rather than specifically for fluid removal.