At Curis Life Multispecialty Clinic in Andheri West, we understand how distressing shortness of breath can feel when excess fluid builds up around the lungs. Our team of expert pulmonologists offers pleural tapping (thoracocentesis), a safe and effective procedure to remove pleural fluid and provide both symptom relief and accurate diagnosis.
This procedure—also known as pleural fluid aspiration, pleural drainage, or chest tapping—is done with precision to restore comfortable breathing and guide further treatment.
What is Pleural Tapping?
Pleural tapping, medically known as thoracocentesis, is a non-surgical fluid drainage procedure where a thin needle or catheter is carefully inserted through the chest wall into the pleural cavity.
- The goal is to aspirate excess pleural fluid (fluid between the lung and chest wall).
- It is done both for diagnostic purposes (to analyze the fluid) and for therapeutic relief (to ease breathlessness and chest discomfort).
- Often performed with ultrasound guidance, it ensures accuracy and safety.
Symptoms Requiring Pleural Tapping
Patients may need pleural tapping in Andheri West if they present with:
- Persistent shortness of breath
- Chest pain or heaviness
- Dry cough that doesn’t improve
- Feeling of lung compression
- Difficulty lying flat due to breathing problems
Causes of Pleural Effusion
Excess fluid in the pleural cavity can result from various medical conditions, including:
- Tuberculosis (TB) – a common cause in Mumbai and surrounding areas
- Pneumonia or lung infections
- Cancer (lung cancer, breast cancer, metastatic disease)
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Kidney or liver disease
- Post-surgical or traumatic chest injury
Early intervention with pleural drainage prevents complications and improves quality of life.
Diagnosis
Before performing a chest tapping procedure, our pulmonologists in Andheri West conduct a thorough diagnostic work-up, which may include:
- Chest X-ray – to detect pleural effusion
- Ultrasound-guided evaluation – for accurate localization of fluid
- CT Scan – for complex cases or underlying disease suspicion
- Pleural fluid analysis – after aspiration, the sample is tested for:
- Proteins, glucose, LDH
- Infections (TB, pneumonia, bacterial, fungal)
- Malignant cells (to rule out cancer)
- pH and other markers
The Procedure – How Pleural Tapping is Done
At Curis Life Andheri West, pleural tapping is performed under sterile and safe conditions:
- The patient sits upright with arms supported.
- The skin is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.
- A fine needle or catheter is inserted through the intercostal space into the pleural cavity.
- Excess fluid is gently aspirated and collected for analysis.
- The area is dressed, and the patient is monitored.
The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes and provides immediate relief from breathlessness.
Precision Medicine
At Curis Life, we believe in precision medicine—tailoring treatment to each patient’s condition. With advanced imaging, individualized fluid analysis, and targeted therapies, we ensure that every pleural tapping procedure not only relieves symptoms but also guides the best long-term care plan.
Benefits of Pleural Tapping
- Rapid relief from breathlessness and chest pressure
- Helps lungs re-expand and function better
- Provides diagnostic clarity for causes of pleural effusion
- Minimally invasive and non-surgical
- Can be repeated if fluid re-accumulates
Risks and Safety Measures
While generally safe, pleural tapping may carry rare risks such as:
- Mild pain or discomfort at puncture site
- Pneumothorax (air leak in pleural space)
- Bleeding
- Infection – At Curis Life, our use of ultrasound-guided thoracocentesis and sterile protocols minimizes these risks and ensures a smooth recovery.
Cost of Pleural Tapping in Andheri West
At Curis Life, we are committed to affordable and transparent healthcare.
- Average Cost in Andheri West: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 depending on complexity and tests required.
- Health Insurance: Accepted for eligible cases.
- Transparency: All costs are explained before the procedure.
Call 9869041559 for a cost consultation and insurance assistance.
Why Choose Curis Life for Pleural Tapping?
- Expert Pulmonologists with years of experience in pleural procedures
- Advanced diagnostics including ultrasound and CT guidance
- Safe, sterile environment ensuring minimal risk
- Patient-first approach with empathetic care
- Affordable cost and insurance support for financial ease
- Located conveniently in Andheri West, easily accessible from Mumbai suburbs
Visit Us
If you or your loved one is struggling with excess fluid in the lungs, visit Curis Life Multispecialty Clinic in Andheri West for expert care.
Book your appointment today at 9869041559 and breathe easier with the right treatment.
