Ultrasound-guided percutaneous treatment of abscess foci in different localizations of the body: Results of three year-experience

In this study, we evaluated abscess foci which are found in different localizations of the body, diagnosed with US, CT and MRI and performed US-guided percutaneus drainage. We evaluated the effectiveness of treatment, etiologic factors, organs and localizations of abscess in the cases who underwent drainage. A total of 63 patients diagnosed with abscess in different tissues and organs, had US-guided percutaneous drainage performed (34 male, 29 female aged between 1-75 years), and 68 abscess foci were analysed. Abscess size varied between 2.5-21 cm and the mean diameter was detected as 8 cm. Diagnosis of abscess was made with US in 45 cases, CT in 23 cases and MRI in 6 cases. While 48 out of 68 abscess foci were simple, 20 were multilocular and contained septations. Air was observed in 19 of all abscess foci. Clinical findings of abscess completely resolved in 60 out of 63 patients who underwent abscess drainage (95.2%). In 3 abscess, the abscess cavity did not shrink as desired due to multiloculation, dense content, adhesions and fistulization. A drainage catheter had also been inserted, so a decision of surgical therapy was made. Secondary drainage was applied due to recurrence in 2 patients. Thirty two abscess foci (47%) developed postoperatively. Complications were not observed in any of the cases. The duration of catheter was calculated as 5-23 days (mean 10.5 days). US-guided percutaneous drainage should be the primarily preferred method in treatment of abscess and collections as it is easily applicable, does not require general anesthesia, is well tolerated, and has high success and low complication rates.