Transvaginal drainage of pelvic fluid collections: results, expectations, and experience

The purpose of this study was to review our 13-year experience with sonographically guided transvaginal drainage procedures in terms of type of transvaginal procedure, that is, aspiration or catheter drainage, complication rate, and long-term success.

A search of an interventional radiology database identified 85 transvaginal drainage procedures on 67 patients. Pertinent medical records and images were reviewed. Clinical success was defined as no need for surgery.

The mean follow-up period was 36.6 months (range, 7 days-132 months). Forty-five aspiration and 40 catheter drainage procedures were performed on 67 patients. Indications for the procedures included postoperative fluid collection (n = 25), tuboovarian abscess unresponsive to medical therapy (n = 17), symptomatic ovarian cyst (n = 17), and miscellaneous causes (n = 8). Clinical success was achieved in 50 of 67 cases (75%), including all cases of 25 postoperative fluid collection, 12 of 17 tuboovarian abscesses (71%), and seven of 17 ovarian cysts (41%). No complications were found in patients who underwent aspiration alone. The following minor complications occurred in patients who underwent catheter drainage: two cases of bladder transgression, one case of infection, and one case of catheter-related pain. Premature dislodgment of the catheter was an issue for four of 40 patients (10%).

Postoperative fluid collections can be managed with a high rate of success by means of transvaginal aspiration or catheter drainage. Transvaginal catheter drainage is an alternative to surgery in the management of tuboovarian abscesses unresponsive to medical management. Aspiration alone is sufficient to drain ovarian cysts and provide symptomatic relief. Most cysts recur, however, ultimately necessitating surgery. Aspiration is safe, but catheter drainage is associated with a 10% rate of minor complications.