What procedure is used to remove fluid or pus from a body cavity?

The procedure used to remove fluid or pus from a body cavity is known as aspiration. Aspiration involves the use of a needle and syringe to withdraw fluid, which can be necessary for diagnostic purposes or to relieve pressure caused by excess fluid accumulation. This method is often employed in cases such as abscesses or pleural effusions, where the presence of fluid needs to be assessed or alleviated.

Aspiration is particularly valuable because it can be performed with minimally invasive techniques, providing a way to obtain samples for laboratory analysis without the need for larger incisions associated with other procedures. Additionally, it can help to improve patient comfort by relieving discomfort or preventing infection that may arise from fluid build-up.

Other procedures, such as incision, are more invasive and may involve cutting open the skin or tissue to directly access the site of accumulation, while drainage typically refers to the continuous removal of fluid after an initial procedure has been performed. Infection control is a broader term that encompasses various practices to prevent the spread of infection rather than a specific method for fluid removal. The clarity of aspiration as a targeted procedure underscores its importance in both clinical and emergency settings for managing complications related to fluid collections in the body.