On percutaneous drainage of retroperitoneal collections: when is primary surgical drainage preferable?

Percutaneous drainage of retroperitoneal collections is a method employed with an ever-increasing frequency. The indication for primary surgical drainage of these collections is rapidly decreasing. Herein we describe what we consider to be the indications for primary surgical drainage of retroperitoneal collections illustrated by the recurrence of the abscess in 3 of our patients following adequate primary percutaneous drainage.