Bedside ultrasonography prior to abdominal paracentesis is associated with low complication and high success rate: Experience in a National Health Service District General Hospital in the United Kingdom from 2013 to 2019.

Aims/background: To analyse data from a bedside ultrasound-assisted ascites procedure service in a National Health Service District General Hospital and compare them to results of studies in the medical literature.

Methods: A retrospective review of audit data collected (January 2013 to December 2019) of the practice of paracentesis in a National Health Service District General hospital. All adult patients referred to the ascites assessment service were included.

Ultrasound Findings in Suspected Ascites Referred for Paracentesis.

Complications of diagnostic and therapeutic paracentesis include bowel perforation, hemorrhage, and death. At present, medical practitioners identify an area for paracentesis using either physical examination alone or with the addition of ultrasound. The preferable method is still debated within the medical literature.

Acute aortic intramural hematoma presenting with painless recurrent syncope.

A patient presented with recurrent syncope due to transient severe hypotension. The patient's history, physical examination, and initial baseline investigation did not suggest a cardiovascular cause. After fluid resuscitation, a raised jugular venous pulse was noted.