Paracentesis

Its amazing how the web has changed the way we learn!

On the wards today, we were preparing to do paracentesis on a patient with acites of unknown etiology. This procedure is used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. In our case, we needed to know why this patient was having fluid build up in his abdomen. Of course, I grab for a book in my pocket to review the procedure. The students? Do they look for a book? No-they go on to YouTube to view the procedure!!

Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTFNgIzgKTw

I was really impressed! We should use this to aid in the education of medical students. Of course, there is some reading that should be done-preferably prior to watching the video, so that it all makes sense. If we used more video, we could essentially avoid the lecture, use video conferencing then have an attending staff the procedure. I like it.