Transrectal catheter drainage of deep abdominal and pelvic abscesses using combined ultrasonography and fluoroscopy

To describe our experience with transrectal drainage of deep abdominal or pelvic abscesses guided by ultrasonography and fluoroscopy.

Open study.

Teaching hospital, Sweden.

Eight seriously ill patients with deep abdominal or pelvic abscesses.

Ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic transrectal drainage.

Clinical follow-up.

Eight patients (2 septic, 2 with high fever, and 2 with moderate fever) were effectively and safely drained without general anaesthesia. Their condition improved considerably within hours after drainage. Three patients had recurrent abscesses as a result of the underlying disease. The drainage overcame the sepsis in two patients and allowed a later elective operation.

Transrectal ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic drainage is an effective and safe method for treatment of deep abdominal or pelvic abscesses in seriously ill patients.