Contemporary radiologic percutaneous abscess drainage in the pelvis

In summary, PAD of pelvic abscesses is an established radiologic procedure. The procedure has gained wide acceptance as an adjunct in the management of patients with pelvic abscess. The procedure involves minimal trauma, is well tolerated, and produces early relief of symptoms. In many instances, it may shorten the length of the hospital stay, reduce costs, and often eliminate the need for surgical intervention. In selected patients, PAD may serve as a temporizing measure in a critically ill or endstage patient. Initial results of PAD treatment of TOA are encouraging, suggesting that this procedure, just as elsewhere in the abdomen, is safe and effective, but larger series are required and long-term follow-up is necessary for evaluation of the cure rate, rate of recurrence, and possible complications.