[Percutaneous drainage of abdominal abscesses. II. Value in comparison with septic surgery]

Based on the review of the literature and experience with own cases the current status of the therapy of abdominal abscesses by percutaneous catheter drainage is described. Indications, reasons for failure, complications, and mortality are presented in detail. Compared with surgery percutaneous abscess drainage (PAD) seems to have better results; however, this statement should be viewed with caution since the input of modern imaging techniques might have improved current surgical success rates. A trial of PAD can be recommended in all feasible cases because it offers high curability with little morbidity.