Percutaneous drainage of abdominal abscesses Drenaje percutaneo de abscesos abdominales.

Abstract

Percutaneous drainage has been widely accepted as the preferred treatment for abdominal abscess. Indications have been clarified recently and the absence of a secure route is the only absolute contraindication. We performed this procedure in 65 patients with abdominal abscess at different locations: liver 27, subphrenic 33, lesser cavity 3 and perirenal 3. Overall success rate was 85%, with 89% for liver and 88% for the subphrenic location. Six patients died of multisystemic failure even though the abscess was properly drained. Four patients were operated on for persistent abscess. A pancreatic fistula was shown in 1 and a peritoneal hydatid cyst was the original lesion in the other. Pneumothorax occurred in 5 patients requiring drainage in 2. Two other patients developed hydro-pneumothorax and empyema, that was drained. The overall complication rate was 14%. Thus, percutaneous drainage is a simple and highly successful treatment for abdominal abscess. Results are influenced by the acc