Inaccessible postoperative abdominal abscess: percutaneous drainage technique with puncture of a sinus tract

Abstract

The present report describes percutaneous drainage involving puncture of a sinus tract in 14 patients with inaccessible postoperative abdominal abscesses. In eight patients, a sinus tract formed by a previously placed surgical drain was percutaneously punctured under ultrasound guidance. In six patients, a sinus tract was accessed under fluoroscopic guidance, aiming at an indwelling surgical drain. A drainage catheter was successfully placed into the abscesses in 13 patients (92.9%). Complete resolution of abscesses was documented on follow-up computed tomography. Percutaneous drainage with puncture of a sinus tract may be a feasible and effective treatment for inaccessible postoperative abdominal abscesses.