Česky
Please try to introduce the puncture method and what it is used for?
Puncture is a technique used by every medical discipline that needs to obtain any sample from the body. Whether it's a body fluid or a tissue sample. The most common known puncture is venous blood sampling.
Is it a painful procedure?
Each puncture uses a different diameter needle. These are procedures that are painful. Some less, some more. Of course, every patient is differently sensitive. In some cases, we are able to use local anesthesia to reduce the sensitivity to a maximum.
Is puncture also used in your practice? For what purpose, if any?
Yes, we use it mainly for joint puncture, where maximum sterility of the environment is required. Of course, the ambulance has to be adapted to this.
How long have you been using this method? When did joint punctures start to be performed?
This method goes back to our ancient history. The first references to invasive methodologies date back to ancient Egypt. Thousands of years before Christ, when mankind primarily attempted to interfere with the human body. For the purpose of medical procedures. And that includes puncture.
Has this method evolved in recent years?
The technique has basically always had the same principle. Yes, it does. We are able, using modern techniques, to use puncture on a much wider scale than we were before. We are able to use puncture to do, for example, a common endoscopic procedure, we just take a wider needle. Typically from the knee joint we are able to pick up a much larger amount of effusion than we could with a simple needle. We also use a wide needle in arthroscopic procedures. With this needle, we are able to insert a camera which, immediately after draining the effusion, we are able to diagnose and possibly proceed with surgical techniques.
Approximately how long does the procedure take?
The procedure can be of varying lengths. The most common punctures take a few tens of seconds if the patient is in the hands of a skilled orthopaedic surgeon. Much depends on the location and how cooperative the patient is.
Is it possible that there will be a complication during the procedure?
The most serious complication that can occur is infection. Fortunately, it's not that common. The most common complication is pain at the injection site. If we need to puncture deeper into the body, there can be a risk of injury to internal structures. Whether it's blood vessels or organs.
Is puncture suitable for every patient?
Puncture is generally one of the basic diagnostic tools in medicine. Therefore, puncture is suitable for all patients.
If a patient undergoes a puncture for an adequate type of problem, can there be immediate relief?
Yes. Imagine a classic effusion in the knee joint, that in itself is very painful. There's fluid production. The joint is not set up for this, there is limited space in the joint and the pressure into the joint is what causes the pain, which is many times much greater than the actual cause of the effusion formation. There is, however, no need for the patient to have any significant fear of this. The patient in this case does not need to immediately rush off towards the emergency room at midnight. In most cases, the patient's life cannot be endangered. Except in one case. And that is if the effusion is accompanied by a significant increase in body temperature and a suspected infection of dangerous origin. There it pays to seek medical attention immediately.
How do I know if I have a joint effusion?
It depends on the location. A layman can recognize water in a joint quite easily. You can tell by the increased pressure inside the joint. Of course, the joint also changes shape. There are joints that are easy to recognize almost immediately. Some joints are more difficult.
You can listen to the full interview with Dr. Hanus here.
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