entesis

Enentesis is a medical term describing procedures that involve puncture of a body cavity or organ to aspirate fluid, obtain a diagnostic sample, or relieve pressure. The suffix -entesis denotes a puncture and drainage and is applied to several procedures, most commonly amniocentesis and thoracentesis. It is a descriptive term rather than a standalone procedure.

Amniocentesis involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sac to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid, usually under ultrasound guidance. It is performed during pregnancy to assess fetal karyotype, genetic conditions, infections, or fetal lung maturity. The procedure is generally performed after a specific gestational window and requires careful risk assessment. Potential complications include fetal loss, infection, or injury to surrounding structures, though such risks are low when performed by experienced clinicians.

Thoracentesis, also known as pleural fluid aspiration, involves puncturing the pleural space to remove or sample fluid. It is performed to relieve dyspnea from pleural effusion, or to diagnose the cause of effusion (infection, malignancy, heart failure, or inflammatory disease). It is typically guided by ultrasound and performed with sterile technique and local anesthesia. Possible complications include pneumothorax, bleeding, or infection.

Indications for enentesis include diagnostic evaluation of fluids or tissues and therapeutic drainage to relieve symptoms or improve organ function. Contraindications include uncorrected coagulopathy, infection at the puncture site, or lack of safe access due to anatomy or patient condition. Modern practice emphasizes imaging guidance, sterile technique, and careful risk-benefit appraisal.

See also: amniocentesis, thoracentesis, pleural effusion, diagnostic sampling, therapeutic drainage.