Diverticular Abscess and Percutaneous Drainage Outcomes: A Review of Clinical Practice for the Primary Team

The inflammation of the diverticular pouch is called acute diverticulitis which can result in abscess formations sometimes. Percutaneous drainage is routinely considered for the management of diverticular abscesses. Being a minimally invasive procedure employed for the removal of large collections of infected fluid from the abscesses, percutaneous drainage emerged as an appealing option. Historically, surgical removal of the abscesses has resulted in multiple hospitalizations and an increased burden on healthcare resources. With the advancement in radiological techniques, CT-guided percutaneous drainage of diverticular abscesses ensured enhanced patient satisfaction and reduced healthcare costs. The choice between surgery or percutaneous drainage of diverticular abscess remains a matter of debate among physicians. The outcomes of percutaneous drainage procedures are scattered across the literature. It is important to be familiar with the criteria regarding the choice of percutaneous drainage or colectomy during the management of diverticular abscesses. Percutaneous drainage can prevent emergent colectomy but it is not always a risk-free procedure. It can bring complications including persistent abscess, new onset abscess, abdominal wall abscess, and peritonitis. Therefore, a physician must prepare in advance to prevent these complications by selecting the right population for the procedure and ensuring good catheter care which involves readjusting the catheter, flushing the catheter and upgrading the size of the catheter. A physician not only prevents these complications but also effectively treats them. This review paper aims to summarize the important outcomes of percutaneous drainage of diverticular abscesses and their further management from a clinical standpoint.