What is the expected outcome of measuring abdominal girth after a paracentesis?

Measuring abdominal girth after a paracentesis is intended to assess fluid removal from the abdomen. During a paracentesis, excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity is drained, which should lead to a reduction in abdominal distension. Consequently, a decrease in girth is expected as the additional fluid volume is removed.

This outcome reflects the successful alleviation of symptoms associated with conditions like ascites, where fluid accumulation can cause abdominal swelling and discomfort. Monitoring the abdominal girth is a useful non-invasive method to gauge the effectiveness of the procedure and the patient's response to treatment. A significant decrease in girth after the procedure would typically indicate successful fluid removal and an improvement in the patient's condition.