What is the procedure called when excess fluid is removed from the pleural space?

The procedure known for removing excess fluid from the pleural space is thoracentesis. This is a minimally invasive procedure performed to relieve symptoms associated with pleural effusion, which is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity. During thoracentesis, a needle is inserted between the ribs and into the pleural space to draw out fluid for analysis or to alleviate pressure on the lungs. This can provide significant relief for patients experiencing difficulty breathing due to fluid buildup.

Pleurodesis, on the other hand, is a procedure used to adhere the lung to the chest wall to prevent further fluid accumulation, rather than removing existing fluid. Hemothorax refers to blood in the pleural cavity, and while it may be a reason for performing thoracentesis, it does not describe the procedure itself. Ventilation pertains to the process of facilitating airflow into and out of the lungs and is not related to fluid removal from the pleural space.