Final answer:
Paracentesis is the surgical procedure used to remove fluid from the abdomen for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surgical procedure to remove fluid from the abdomen is known as paracentesis. This intervention involves inserting a needle or catheter into the peritoneal cavity to drain excess fluid, which can accumulate due to various medical conditions such as cirrhosis, cancers, or infections. Unlike the lumbar puncture, which collects cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the lumbar region, or a laparoscopy, which is used for visual inspections or surgeries within the abdominal cavity, paracentesis is specifically aimed at fluid removal for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.