punktsioon

Punktsioon is a medical procedure that involves inserting a needle or other instrument through the skin into a body cavity, space or organ in order to withdraw fluids, introduce substances or obtain tissue for examination. The term is used across languages to describe various puncture procedures, ranging from diagnostic sampling to therapeutic drainage or anesthesia delivery.

Common types include lumbar puncture (spinal tap), where cerebrospinal fluid is collected or medications are injected into the subarachnoid space; arthrocentesis, the puncture of a joint to remove excess synovial fluid or to inject treatment; paracentesis, the puncture of the abdominal cavity to remove ascitic fluid; and thoracentesis, the puncture of the pleural space to drain fluid or obtain samples. Punctures can be guided by imaging techniques such as ultrasound, fluoroscopy or CT to improve accuracy and safety.

Indications typically fall into diagnostic and therapeutic categories. Diagnostic punctures gather samples for laboratory analysis to diagnose infections, cancers, bleeding disorders, or inflammatory conditions. Therapeutic punctures drain accumulated fluids (such as pleural or peritoneal effusions) or allow delivery of medications. Punctures may also be performed to administer regional anesthesia or other treatments directly to a target area.

Risks and contraindications include infection at the puncture site, bleeding or hematoma, injury to surrounding structures, and, in some cases, headaches after lumbar puncture due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Contraindications may involve uncorrected coagulopathy, local infection, elevated intracranial pressure (in the case of lumbar puncture), or patient intolerance. Proper technique and asepsis reduce complications.

The term punktsioon thus covers a range of puncture-based procedures essential for diagnosis, treatment and patient care.