THE ROLE OF ULTRASOUND SCANNING

Abdominal abscess, if left untreated, has a high mortality rate. Inade quate means of diagnosis and localization was responsible for this hig h mortality. Ultrasound now provides a simple non-invasive procedure p ermitting diagnosis with a high degree of sensitivity, although specif icity is Less commonly achieved. Abscesses do not have absolutely spec ific features, but given the appropriate clinical context and fine nee dle aspiration a diagnosis can be made in virtually 100% of cases, i.e . if the lesions can be identified and not obscured by bowel gas and e xaminations are not rendered difficult by surgical wounds and dressing s. Diagnostic aspiration and therapeutic drainage are readily carried out using ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound is also of value in followin g the progress of lesions.