[Diagnosis and percutaneous drainage guided by ultrasonics in retroperitoneal abscess: experience with 16 cases]

The diagnosis of retroperitoneal abscess was made by ultrasound studies in 16 patients. Ultrasound guided percutaneous drainage followed in 10 patients confirming the diagnosis in all. A catheter was used in 8 and needle aspiration in 2. The 6 remaining patients were operated on. Patients with percutaneous drainage had better bacteriologic diagnosis and significantly shorter hospital stays than those who were submitted to immediate operation. Thus, ultrasound is an effective means for diagnosis and treatment of retroperitoneal abscess.