Does Point of Care Ultrasound Change Needle Insertion Location During Routine Bedside Paracentesis?

Paracentesis is a bedside procedure in which a needle is inserted into a patient's peritoneum in order to obtain ascitic fluid. This is a safe bedside procedure with very low risks of complications that is usually performed using physical exam maneuvers to determine the site of needle insertion. Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) technology has improved the safety of central venous catheter insertion and thoracentesis, yet the data on safety in paracentesis is equivocal. In a practical study, we aim to determine if POCUS will change the needle insertion site over the traditional anatomic landmarking method. Operators will landmark for paracentesis using conventional physical exam and then utilize POCUS to determine if there is a more optimal site. The primary endpoint will be whether POCUS yielded a change in the needle insertion site, as defined by a location greater than 5cm from the anatomic site, at least 20% of the time. The results will further our understanding of POCUS in improving procedural safety, thereby adding to the currently limited literature on this topic. Furthermore, this study will inform residency training programs about the utility in POCUS training for paracentesis and may advocate for the availability of POCUS devices to physicians performing this procedure.