Definition
A puncture is a generic term for a variety of medical procedures. In most cases, a thin hollow needle or an appropriate instrument is used to puncture an organ, a body cavity or a blood vessel and either tissue or fluid is removed. A puncture can be used for diagnostic purposes, for example a kidney puncture to detect possible kidney disease.
On the other hand, a puncture can also be used primarily as a therapeutic measure, such as to relieve a pathological accumulation of fluid in a body cavity (for example in the abdominal cavity or pericardium). Depending on the organ or body area where the puncture is performed, there is a risk of complications due to injury. Therefore, before a puncture is performed, the possible benefits must always be weighed against the risks. More information on this topic at: Water in the pericardium and water in the abdomen
Indications for a puncture
Since the term puncture refers to a variety of different medical interventions, the indications are manifold and spread across all medical fields. The most commonly performed puncture is the taking of blood through a vein, such as at the family doctor’s office or in hospital to determine blood values. In addition, in the case of an encapsulated purulent inflammation (abscess) under the skin or in an organ, a puncture is often indicated to drain the pus.
If abnormal structures are detected in imaging diagnostics such as X-rays or computed tomography, it may be advisable to puncture the respective structure. In the case of a blood disorder such as unclear anemia, for example, puncture and sampling of the bone marrow may be necessary. Other indications are the accumulation of fluid in body cavities such as the pleural cavity (pleural effusion) or the abdominal cavity (ascites).
Puncture can be used to relieve the pressure and to provide diagnostic information on the cause of the fluid accumulation. Puncture is also indicated in some cases in the case of an effusion in a large body joint. In neurology, punctures of the cerebral fluid via the spinal canal are performed if there is a suspicion that, for example, meningitis may be present.
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