Rev Esp Enferm Dig
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To study the complications of thoracentesis, either diagnostic or therapeutic, in cirrhotic patients with pleural effusion. ⋯ Diagnostic thoracentesis in cirrhotic patients is associated to a low morbidity. Therapeutic thoracentesis is a risk factor for pneumothorax and the risk increases after consecutive thoracentesis. A chest radiograph is not justified after a diagnostic thoracentesis, but should be done after a therapeutic thoracentesis.