Intraabdominal abscesses--percutaneous catheter drainage versus operative treatment

From 65 patients with 73 abscesses 38 were treated by operation and 27 by PCD. The mean duration of drainage was 6.8 days (OP) and 7.4 days (PCD) respectively. In the surgical group 2 patients needed reintervention and 1 died due to sepsis. In the PCD group 1 patient had to be operated on because of insufficient drainage and 1 died after perforation of the colon. With modern techniques of imaging (Ultrasound, CT) PCD is a useful tool in the therapeutic regimen of intraabdominal abscesses. PCD has to be considered as definitive treatment or preparation for surgical eradication. Above all indication to PCD depends on localization and cause of the abscess.