Punktionieren

Punktionieren is a German verb that denotes the act of performing a puncture, that is, creating an opening by inserting a needle or cannula through tissue to withdraw fluid, obtain a sample, or relieve pressure. The action is carried out under sterile conditions and is common in medical diagnostics and procedures, as well as in laboratory settings where fluids from a lesion or cavity are sampled.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from Punktion, the noun for puncture, which in turn comes from Latin punctio "a piercing, puncturing." The verb form is built with the suffix -ieren, yielding to perform punctures. In practice, physicians often say "eine Punktion durchführen" or use more specific terms such as "punktionieren" or "punctieren," depending on regional usage. More formal English equivalents include “to perform a puncture” or “to puncture.”

Applications and examples: Puncture procedures are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Examples include Blutabnahme durch Punktion (blood sampling by puncture), Abszesspunktion (drainage or sampling of an abscess), and Feinnadelpunktion (fine-needle aspiration) for cytology or tumor assessment. Common puncture sites include the lumbar region (Lumbalpunktion), joints (arthrozentese), and body cavities. In many cases, image guidance with ultrasound or CT is employed to improve accuracy and safety.

Risks and considerations: As with other invasive procedures, punctures carry risks such as bleeding, infection, pain, injury to surrounding structures, or pneumothorax in chest-related punctures. Safe practice requires aseptic technique, sterile equipment, appropriate anesthesia, and, when indicated, imaging guidance and post-procedure monitoring.