What are the indications and contraindications for thoracentesis?

Indications for thoracentesis include the presence of pleural effusion, with the exception of very small effusions and those with a clear diagnosis of heart failure without atypical findings.
Therapeutic thoracentesis is performed to reduce respiratory distress or hemodynamic instability due to thoracic compression.
There are no absolute contraindications to thoracentesis, but special precautions should be taken in cases of anticoagulation or bleeding diathesis, small amounts of fluid, high-pressure mechanical ventilation, and active infection at the puncture site.