ABSCESS FORMATION IN DESMOID TUMORS OF GARDNERS-SYNDROME AND PERCUTANEOUS DRAINAGE - A REPORT OF 3 CASES

Purpose: To describe abscess formation complications in desmoid tumors of patients with Gardner's syndrome and percutaneous drainage. Method s: Three patients with Gardner's syndrome and intramesenteric desmoid tumors were diagnosed as having intratumor abscess formation. Percutan eous drainage was the initial method of treatment in each case. Two su bsequently underwent surgical resection and one patient refused surger y and was lost to follow-up. Results: In each case, percutaneous drain age and antibiotics resulted in clinical improvement. In two, fistulou s communication with the small bowel could be demonstrated, presumed t o be the cause of abscess formation. Surgical resection confirmed fist ula communication to small bowel. In the third patient, no fistula was seen and only percutaneous drainage was performed. Conclusion: Abdomi nal pain and fever in patients with Gardner's syndrome and desmoids is suggestive of abscess formation in these tumors. Percutaneous drainag e is useful as initial management.