Percutaneous drainage of hepatic abscesses: comparison of results in abscesses with and without intrahepatic biliary communication.

Results of percutaneous drainage performed in eight patients with eight liver abscesses with intrahepatic biliary communication and 22 patients with 26 liver abscesses without biliary communication were analyzed to determine whether the presence of an intrahepatic biliary communication affected the outcome of treatment. The clinical features and response to treatment of both groups were compared. The presence or absence of biliary communication was determined by injection of contrast material into the abscess under fluoroscopic guidance either during or several days after initial drainage. Duration of drainage was longer (p less than .05) in patients with communication (range, 7-44 days; mean, 22 days) than in patients without communication (range, 1-33 days; mean, 13 days). Percutaneous drainage was curative in five (63%) and palliative or temporizing in one (13%) of eight patients with communication. It was curative in 15 (68%) and palliative or temporizing in five (23%) of 22 patients without communication (p = .317). Liver abscesses with intrahepatic biliary communication did not require percutaneous transhepatic biliary diversion for cure. Despite longer duration of drainage for abscesses with intrahepatic biliary communication, the cure rates of percutaneous drainage for both groups were similar. Patients in whom an intrahepatic biliary communication was shown did not require alternative interventional or surgical measures for cure.     

Percutaneous drainage of tubo-ovarian abscesses.

The authors performed percutaneous drainage of 27 tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOAs) in 16 patients in whom medical therapy with triple antibiotics prior to catheter drainage had not been successful. Percutaneous drainage was successful in 15 of 16 patients (94%). One patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy 3 days after catheter placement because of persistent symptoms and lack of drainage from the catheter; at laparotomy, a large infected phlegmon was found. Two patients had recurrent disease at 3 and 4 months after catheter placement. Bilateral salpingectomy was performed in one patient and total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in the other. One of these patients had cervical carcinoma, and the other had a long history of recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease and TOAs. The long-term avoidance of surgery was 81.2%. Access routes for catheter drainage were through the anterior abdominal wall for 10 abscesses, through the posterior transgluteal route for 11, and through the transvaginal route for six. Duration of drainage was 1-20 days (mean, 6 days). Complications consisted of transient sciatic pain in two patients and mild bacteremia in one. The results indicate that percutaneous drainage of TOAs is effective in patients in whom medical therapy is not successful.     

Percutaneous drainage of renal and perirenal abscesses: results in 30 patients

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of percutaneous drainage of renal and perirenal abscesses. Thirty-two abscesses, 10 renal and 22 renal with perirenal extension, in 30 patients (16 female, 14 male; age range, 5-83 years), were drained percutaneously. Twenty-one patients had had surgery recently and/or were immunosuppressed. Ten of the 13 postoperative patients had had surgical procedures involving the urinary tract. Size of the abscesses ranged from 10 to 650 ml, and all were drained via CT or fluoroscopic guidance. The type of drainage catheter used depended on the size of the abscess. Complications were unusual. A transient febrile episode without sequelae within the first 12 hr of catheter placement was the most common complication. All patients had their abscess catheter placed while in the hospital; 12 (40%) subsequently were followed up (2-50 days) as outpatients until their catheters were removed without complications. Percutaneous drainage alone was curative in 20 patients (67%) as determined by resolution of signs and symptoms or follow-up CT. Eight (27%) had improvement of signs and symptoms but required surgery to remove tumor (one patient) or a poorly functioning or nonfunctioning kidney (five patients), perform open pyelolithotomy (one patient), or drain a loculated abscess (one patient); all eventually were cured. Three patients (10%) with multiple medical problems died before resolution could be documented, although death was not thought to be directly related to failure of therapy. Our results indicate that percutaneous drainage alone is curative in the majority of cases of renal and perirenal abscesses. Many patients can be treated safely, in part, on an outpatient basis.     

Percutaneous drainage of abdominal abscesses

Percutaneous puncture with echographic guide was performed in 37 patients with suspected abdominal abscesses. The abscess has been confirmed in 31 cases and it has been related to previous surgery in 21. In 3 cases the 3 small cavities were evacuated by a single-stage aspiration; in the other cases different drainage catheters, in relation to the size and the content of the cavities have been employed. Benefits of proteolytic agents, irrigation with saline solution and permanent aspiration are stressed. Successful drainage avoiding surgery was achieved in 23/31 patients (74%), and positive results have been obtained in multiple abscesses, multilocular abscesses and infected haematomas as well. A partial success was achieved in 3 cases (10%): the patients were submitted to surgery after a clinical improvement. Two complications occurred (bowel perforation and small liver laceration). The percutaneous drainage turned out to be a technique of choice in the great majority of abdominal abscesses, and should be considered a good alternative to surgery, particularly in high risk patients.     

Percutaneous drainage of abdominal abscesses

Abdominal abscesses carry high morbidity and mortality unless properly drained. In recent years, percutaneous drainage has become an accepted alternative to surgery. A brief overview of diagnostic principles, selection of patients, percutaneous drainage catheters and technique, contraindications, and post-drainage follow-up is presented. In experienced hands, more than 80% of abdominal abscesses can be drained successfully by this method and with lower rates of morbidity, mortality, and complications than by surgery.     

Percutaneous drainage of subphrenic abscesses

Forty subphrenic abscesses were drained percutaneously in 37 patients. These abscesses were subsequent to abdominal surgery (28 patients), biliary obstruction and/or fistula (six patients), trauma (two patients) or acute pancreatitis (one patient). The procedures were usually monitored by duplex sonography and fluoroscopy (35 out of 40 cases), with an angled subcostal approach to the subphrenic space in over 85% of the cases. Forty-three drainage catheters were inserted using the Seldinger method; 37 (86%) had a size of 12 F or more, 21 were 16 F in size. Only two out of 43 catheters were double-lumen sump drains. The clinical condition improved after insertion of the catheter in all 37 patients. Definitive successful drainage, defined as hospital discharge without complementary surgery, was achieved in 32 patients (87%), without major complications. A temporizing effect was obtained in three additional patients (8%) who underwent curative surgery for the underlying process after complete drainage of the abscess. Two patients died from multiple organ failure before their abscess healed. Considerations for successful drainage of subphrenic abscesses include a good knowledge of the subphrenic space anatomy, the use of large-bore drainage catheters and the recognition and correct management of underlying enteric, biliary or pancreatic fistulas.     

Percutaneous drainage of hydatid cyst in the liver as a primary treatment: review of 52 consecutive cases with long-term follow-up

AIM: To evaluate the suitability of percutaneous drainage as a primary and definitive treatment of hydatid disease of the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 1989 and April 1992, percutaneous drainage was performed on 52 consecutive patients (27 women and 25 men aged 13 to 84 years) with 55 hydatid cysts in the liver. Twenty-five (45%) cysts were type I, 10 (18%) were type II, 14 (25%) were type III, 5 (10%) were type IV and 1 (2%) was type V. All procedures were performed under light sedation and local anaesthetic at the puncture site. The standard Seldinger technique was used. Initial puncture was performed under ultrasound (US) guidance through the liver parenchyma. The rest of the procedure was conducted under fluoroscopic control. Pigtail drainage catheters (size 12-20 Fr) were used, with Betadine (10% povidone iodine; 1% free iodine) being allowed to act within the cyst for 30 min, as a scolicidal agent. RESULTS: All the patients were successfully treated and 6-9 year follow-up involving US, computed tomography (CT) and serology tests showed no local recurrence or spread of the disease. No major (death, cyst rupture, anaphylactic shock) and very few minor complications arose. Two patients had mild skin reaction with nausea requiring no treatment and three patients developed a secondary infection of the cyst, due to prolonged drainage time. These liver abscesses responded successfully to further catheter drainage. Subsequent patients were treated with large bore (18-20 Fr) catheters and none developed secondary infection. Overall drainage time varied from 7-118 days (7-28 days, if we exclude three initial cases who had prolonged drainage). CONCLUSION: It is our strong belief that percutaneous drainage using the above method should be considered a first-line treatment for hydatid disease of the liver.Bosanac, Z. B., Lisanin, L. (2000). Clinical Radiology55, 839-848.     

Percutaneous drainage of pyogenic liver abscesses

This report summarizes the results of percutaneous catheter drainage in 23 cases of primary or secondary pyogenic liver abscess. The overall success rate was 76%. Only three (60%) of five cases of secondary abscess (infected hematoma or infected tumor) were cured with catheter drainage, but 11 (91%) of the last 12 primary pyogenic abscesses were drained successfully. Six patients with abscesses of less than 4 cm in diameter required catheter drainage for less than 72 hr. Although six abscesses in the series appeared septated or multiloculated, only one required more than a single catheter for curative drainage. Diagnostic and technical considerations for successful drainage of hepatic abscesses are discussed. The differential diagnosis includes echinococcal disease and hepatic amebiasis. Therapeutically, specific measures should be taken to ensure proper catheter position to prevent contamination of the subphrenic, perihepatic, and pleural spaces. Percutaneous catheter drainage should be attempted as a first choice of treatment in all pyogenic hepatic abscesses.     

Percutaneous catheter drainage of breast abscesses

Experiences with ultrasonically guided percutaneous catheter drainage of breast abscesses (BA) are presented. The 12 cases were: 10 non-lactating women, one lactating woman and one HIV-positive man. The percutaneous procedure employed was successful in all cases. The mean duration of drainage was 5 days post-catheter insertion. All percutaneous drainages and subsequent follow-up were performed in the outpatient clinic. No recurrence of BA was observed. Percutaneous drainage of BA is a simple, effective and economical technique. Its use is recommended as an alternative to surgical drainage.     

Percutaneous drainage of abscesses in patients with Crohn disease

Up to one-quarter of patients with Crohn disease present with abdominal abscesses at some point in their illnesses, most of which have enteric communication. The efficacy of percutaneous drainage alone vs either a combined percutaneous/surgical approach or a purely surgical approach has not been established. We reviewed the results of percutaneous drainage of nine abscesses in eight patients with Crohn disease. Six of these abscesses communicated with the intestine. Those with enteric communication had temporary palliation, with improved medical status. However, all patients required definitive surgery within 7 weeks of initial drainage. Percutaneous drainage in the three patients without enteric communication resulted in a permanent cure. Our experience with this small series suggests that abscesses that have an enteric communication in patients with Crohn disease can be temporarily palliated by percutaneous drainage. However, use of this technique is unlikely to result in long-term palliation or cure. It appears that abscesses with intestinal communication in Crohn patients can be cured by percutaneous therapy alone.     

Percutaneous laser thermal angioplasty: initial results and 1-year follow-up in 129 femoropopliteal lesions

Percutaneous peripheral laser thermal angioplasty with a laser-heated metallic-capped fiber was used as an adjunct to conventional balloon angioplasty. Initial angiographic and clinical success was achieved in 99 of 129 (77%) femoropopliteal stenoses and occlusions (21 of 22 [95%] stenoses, 17 of 17 [100%] short [1-3-cm] occlusions, 26 of 37 [70%] medium-length [4-7-cm] occlusions, and 35 of 53 [66%] long [greater than 7 cm] occlusions). There was a 4% frequency of vessel perforation without clinical sequelae and no necessity for emergency bypass surgery. The 1-year cumulative clinical patency was 77% for the 99 lesions with an initial clinical success. In the 21 stenoses and 17 short occlusions, the cumulative clinical patency rates were 95% and 93%, respectively. In the longer occlusions (4-7 cm and greater than 7 cm), the clinical patency rates were 76% and 58%, respectively. The initial angiographic and clinical success, as well as the 1-year cumulative clinical patency, for stenoses and short occlusions after laser-assisted balloon angioplasty may be greater than after conventional balloon angioplasty alone.     

Percutaneous drainage of chest abscesses in children

Seven patients ranging in age from 3 to 18 years underwent percutaneous drainage of eight intrathoracic abscesses. Five of the abscesses were mediastinal or paramediastinal and resulted from esophageal perforation or esophageal anastomotic leakage. The abscesses resolved in each case, with a mean catheter drainage time of 28 days and no need for surgical intervention. Three of the abscesses were intrapulmonary, and each lay adjacent to a pleural surface. All three lung abscesses resolved within 19-24 days, without thoracotomy or wedge resection.     

Percutaneous drainage of splenic abscesses: an effective and safe procedure.

Percutaneous drainage of splenic abscesses has not yet become a common procedure due to the potential risk of bleeding and the danger of damage to neighbouring organs. We present our experience of percutaneous drainage in eight patients with splenic abscesses. Four patients were treated by therapeutic percutaneous needle aspiration of the fluid collection, and four by percutaneous trocar catheter insertion. All procedures were guided by ultrasound or computed tomography. The procedure was successful in all eight patients with no complications.     

Percutaneous drainage of periappendiceal abscesses: review of 20 patients

Twenty patients with periappendiceal abscesses diagnosed by CT underwent percutaneous catheter drainage. Eighteen (90%) of the 20 patients were successfully treated by percutaneous drainage and antibiotic therapy alone. In two of these patients, however, small recurrent abscesses were diagnosed by CT 4 and 6 weeks after drainage, but these abscesses resolved with additional antibiotic therapy. Surgery was performed in two patients in whom percutaneous drainage failed. One was a diabetic patient who had a gas-forming abscess that extended into the posterior pararenal space. Surgery was necessary in a second patient because of a technical failure of catheter insertion, which resulted in perforation of the abscess cavity and peritonitis. Abscess sinograms in eight (44%) of 18 patients showed fistulas between the abscess cavity and the base of the cecum or appendix. However, the fistulas did not pose a problem in clinical management, and all closed within 14 days. Percutaneous drainage is an effective alternative to surgery in selected patients with periappendiceal abscesses.     

Percutaneous drainage of abscesses: a report of 100 patients

One hundred patients had abscesses drained percutaneously in a variety of sites. Eighty-five per cent were treated successfully with a 6% mortality. There are now several large series in the literature, totalling over 250 patients with an average cure rate of over 80% and a mortality of under 5%. Percutaneous drainage of abscesses should become the treatment of choice in a vast majority of patients in whom the abscess can safely be reached.     

Percutaneous biliary drainage: complications of 118 consecutive catheterizations

We have reviewed our experience with 118 biliary catheterization procedures in 109 patients from 1979 to 1984. Major complications (septic shock, hemorrhage, subphrenic abscess, and formation of an arteriovenous fistula) occurred in five patients (4.2%), three of whom died (2.5%). Minor complications occurred in 41 patients. Our success rate using the procedure was 97%. The complications that occurred are described.