What is the medical term meaning surgical puncture of abdomen to remove excess fluid?

The medical term for the surgical puncture of the abdomen to remove excess fluid is paracentesis. It is a procedure used to drain fluid that has accumulated in the peritoneal cavity, which is the space between the abdominal organs and the abdominal wall. Paracentesis is performed by inserting a thin needle through the abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity and then allowing the fluid to drain out through the needle. The fluid is usually sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine the cause of the fluid buildup.