What is the term for a medical procedure that involves a surgical puncture into the chest cavity to remove fluid?

The term for a medical procedure that involves a surgical puncture into the chest cavity to remove fluid is thoracocentesis. This procedure is performed to alleviate symptoms caused by fluid accumulation in the pleural space, which can occur due to conditions like pleural effusion, infection, or malignancy. During thoracocentesis, a needle is inserted between the ribs into the chest cavity, allowing for the drainage of excess fluid, which can help relieve pressure on the lungs and improve breathing.

Laparoscopy refers to a minimally invasive surgical technique where instruments are inserted into the abdomen through small incisions, primarily used for viewing or operating within the abdominal cavity rather than the chest area. Arthrocentesis is the procedure involving the puncture of a joint to withdraw fluid, while venipuncture refers to the puncturing of a vein for various purposes, such as drawing blood. Each of these terms describes procedures that are anatomically and functionally distinct from thoracocentesis, specifically targeting different areas and conditions.