[Interventional Radiology for Intra-Abdominal Abscess after Gastrectomy]

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Gastrectomy is associated with a 20% complication rate.
• Postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses require prompt and effective management.
• Minimally invasive treatments are preferred to reduce patient morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of interventional radiology (IVR) guided drainage for intra-abdominal abscesses following gastrectomy.
• To assess the outcomes and safety of IVR in managing these specific postoperative complications.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 6 patients with post-gastrectomy intra-abdominal abscesses.
• Treatment involved IVR-guided drainage tube insertion.
• Abscess causes included anastomotic leakage and contaminated surgery.

Main Results:

• Intra-abdominal abscesses were diagnosed at a median of 12 days post-surgery.
• IVR drainage was initiated within a median of 1 day of diagnosis.
• Median drainage duration was 26 days, with no conversions to open surgery required.

Conclusions:

• Early IVR-guided drainage is an essential and effective treatment for intra-abdominal abscesses after gastrectomy.
• This minimally invasive technique offers a successful alternative to open surgery.
• IVR facilitates timely management and contributes to positive patient outcomes.