[Percutaneous drainage of splenic abscesses under ultrasound]

A splenic abscess is considered life-threatening. Traditionally the treatment of choice has been splenectomy, which has relatively high morbidity and mortality and results in increased susceptibility to infection. Percutaneous drainage can be an alternative treatment for splenic abscesses and might avoid splenectomy. 2 cases of splenic abscess are presented: 1 had typhoid fever and the other had had a left hemicolectomy. In both cases external aspiration was performed twice and a catheter was left in the drained cavity after the second aspiration. There was no clinical improvement in the patient with typhoid fever and splenectomy had to be performed. In the other drainage was followed by marked regression of symptoms. We suggest that percutaneous drainage can be safely used for splenic abscesses. Splenectomy should be reserved for those in whom drainage does not lead to improvement.