Sonographically-guided Parasacrum Infrapiriformis Drainage of Deep Pelvic Abscesses: An Anatomical Safety Study Using...

Deep pelvic abscesses are surrounded by the pelvic bones, bladder, gynecological organs, intestinal tract, and nerve and vascular systems, and are approached by various routes for drainage. The transgluteal approach is often performed under computed tomography guidance; however, if ultrasonography can be used to confirm the approach, it is considered more effective because it reduces radiation exposure and allows for real-time puncture under sonographic and fluoroscopic guidance.

This retrospective study was conducted at Tobata Kyoritsu Hospital (Fukuoka, Japan) between April 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. Sonographically guided transgluteal drainage with fluoroscopy was performed in five consecutive cases of deep pelvic abscesses using a 3D image analysis system (SYNAPSE VINCENT) to study the anatomy for safe puncture.

Three patients had postoperative abscesses from colorectal cancer, one caused by perforation of the appendicitis, and one caused by sigmoid diverticulitis. The average drainage duration was 11 days (SD = 6.7). No complications, such as bleeding or nerve damage, were observed.

We constructed a 3D image of the puncture route of the trans greater sciatic foramen using SYNAPSE VINCENT to objectively comprehend the anatomy and puncture route. The ideal transgluteal approach is to insert the catheter as close to the sacrum as possible at the level of the infrapiriformis. The parasacrum infrapiriformis approach can be performed safely and easily using ultrasound guidance and fluoroscopy.