Percutaneous, computed tomography-guided drainage of deep pelvic abscesses via a transgluteal approach: a report on 30 cases and a review of the literature

Aim

Percutaneous drainage of abdominal and pelvic abscesses is a first-line alternative to surgery. Anterior and lateral approaches are limited by the presence of obstacles, such as the pelvic bones, bowel, bladder, and iliac vessels. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a percutaneous, transgluteal approach by reviewing our clinical experience and the literature.

Materials and methods

We reviewed demographic, clinical and morphological data in the medical records of 30 patients having undergone percutaneous, computed tomography (CT)-guided, transgluteal drainage. In particular, we studied the duration of catheter drainage, the types of microorganisms in biological fluid cultures, complications related to procedures and the patient’s short-term treatment outcome.

Results

From January 2005 to October 2011, 345 patients underwent CT-guided percutaneous drainage of pelvis abscesses in our institution. A transgluteal approach was adopted in 30 cases (10 women and 20 men; mean age: 52.6 range 14–88]). The fluid collections were related to post-operative complications in 26 patients (86.7 %) and inflammatory or infectious intra-abdominal disease in the remaining 4 patients (acute diverticulitis: n = 2; appendicitis: n = 1; Crohn’s disease: n = 1) (13.3 %). The mean duration of drainage was 8.7 days (range 3–33). Laboratory cultures were positive in 27 patients (90 %) and Escherichia coli was the most frequently present microorganism (in 77.8 % of the positive samples). A transpiriformis approach (n = 5) was more frequently associated with immediate procedural pain (n = 3). No major complications were observed, either during or after the transgluteal procedure. Drainage was successful in 29 patients (96.7 %). One patient died from massive, acute cerebral stroke 14 days after drainage.

Conclusion

When an anterior approach is unfeasible, transgluteal, percutaneous, CT-guided drainage is a safe, well tolerated and effective procedure. Major complications are rare. This type of drainage is an alternative to surgery for the treatment of deep pelvic abscesses (especially for post-surgical collections).