Fistuloscopy for the management of postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses

A new technique of fistuloscopy for evaluation and treatment of postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses is described which was used in 8 patients in whom drainage of abscesses following surgery was insufficient. A cholangiofiberscope was introduced into the fistula canal produced by the postoperative drainage. Fistuloscopy was combined with fistulography in all cases to delineate the extent of the inflammatory process. The guidewire was then placed under visual control through the endoscope followed by re-introduction of the drainage tube until a position most effective for pus drainage was achieved. Following this procedure, fever resolved in all 8 patients. Fistuloscopy is recommended to achieve sufficient drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses in those cases where percutaneous ultrasound- or CT-guided drainage fails to lead to significant clinical improvement.