Ultrasonic detection and aspiration confirmation of intra-abdominal collection of fluid

In patients clinically suspected of possessing intra-abdominal abscesses, ultrasonic imaging is an effective way of detecting suspicious localized fluid collections. However, definitive diagnosis depends upon sampling the fluid collections, which can be most easily performed by percutaneous fine needle aspiration of the collection under ultrasonic guidance. Sixty-six patients suspected of having intra-abdominal abscesses had localized fluid collections demonstrated by ultrasonic scanning. The composition of the fluid was proved in 40 patients by percutaneous aspiration; in 26, by surgical drainage alone, and in 30, by both methods. The aspiration procedure is relatively painless, rapid and free of complications.