COMBINED TRANSRECTAL SONOGRAPHIC AND FLUOROSCOPIC GUIDANCE FOR DEEP PELVIC ABSCESS DRAINAGE

We attempted to determine the feasibility, safety and success of trans rectal catheter drainage of deep pelvic abscesses using a combination of transrectal sonography and fluoroscopic guidance. In this retrospec tive review of five cases, transrectal catheters were placed within ab scess cavities over a 20 month period. Clinical improvement was prompt , catheters were removed within 7 days, and no complications were dete cted. No patient required further intervention (follow-up 2 to 20 mont hs). Transrectal sonographically guided catheter drainage proved to be safe and effective in our series. This method is a promising alternat ive to the posterior (sciatic notch) approach when the anterior transa bdominal approach is contraindicated.