ULTRASOUND-GUIDED DRAINAGE OF LIVER-ABSCE SSES - RESULTS AND COMPLICATIONS

Interventional echography has been proposed as an effective method for the drainage of pyogenic hepatic abscesses. We present the technique and the results with this therapeutic alternative in 23 patients suffe ring from this serious disease. The procedure was effective in 19 pati ents (82.6%), being palliative in 3 cases (a carcinoma of the gallblad der, a biliary-bowel fistula and a gastric perforation). The drainage failed in 4 patients (17.4%) (in an infected hematoma were and in 3 ca ses due to technical problems). There were 4 complications, one of the m severe (pleural empyema). We consider that percutaneous drainage gui ded by echography should by a first choice in the treatment of hepatic abscesses. To achieve good results and to avoid complications it is n ecessary to have good knowledge of the technique.