The usefulness of CT guided drainage of abscesses caused by retained appendicoliths

To determine the utility of percutaneous computed tomography (CT) guided drainage of abscesses formed secondary to retained appendicoliths.

A retrospective review was conducted over a 5-year period to identify patients who underwent CT guided drainage of abscesses related to retained appendicoliths. Inclusion criteria were a history of prior proven appendicitis treated by laparoscopic appendicectomy, identification of a post-operative abscess related to a visualised retained appendicolith and initial treatment by CT guided drainage. Data regarding initial technical success as well as long-term outcome was recorded in each case.

In total, five patients were identified who underwent CT guided abscess drainage related to retained appendicoliths. There were three males and two females (age range 12-54 years). Initial drainage under CT guidance was technically successful in all cases with successful catheter placement and resolution of the abscess cavity. In all five cases however, there was recurrence of abscess formation following catheter removal. In one case, a second attempt with CT guided drainage was performed. Again this was initially successful with abscess recurrence following catheter removal. In all five cases, formal surgical drainage with removal of retained appendicolith resulted in a successful outcome.

CT guided percutaneous drainage of intra abdominal abscess secondary to retained appendicoliths is only successful in the short term. Formal surgical drainage and removal of the appendicolith is required for long-term success.