Percutaneous drainage of appendiceal abscess. An alternative to conventional treatment

Twenty-seven consecutive patients with ultrasonically verified appendiceal abscesses, measuring from 2 to 10 cm in diameter, were studied. Ultrasonically guided percutaneous drainage was performed in 19 by means of one to five punctures, and in eight with one or two catheters. In 16 and 7 patients, respectively, the abscesses resolved without further intervention. Four patients were operated on, two for suspected (but unverified) abscess perforation, one for bowel obstruction, and one because of failed drainage, resulting in a success rate of 85 percent. Hospitalization ranged from 3 to 23 days; however, normal sonograms were not obtained until after nine to 62 days. Follow-up revealed no diagnostic errors. Two patients (8 percent) had recurrent appendicitis, and late sequelae were observed in four patients, three of these after surgery. Ultrasonically guided percutaneous drainage of appendiceal abscesses with the technique described is indicated whenever feasible, as a safe, gentle, and relatively atraumatic procedure with few complications and late sequelae.