New approaches in treating abdominal abscesses

Abstract

Ultrasonography, computed tomography and radionuclide scintigraphy are changing the management of patients with intra-abdominal abscesses. Traditional surgical incision and drainage may not be necessary in all cases. Percutaneous catheter drainage using radiologic techniques has a high success rate. Although there are factors that preclude the use of percutaneous catheter drainage of an abscess, it nonetheless may be an alternative in certain situations.