Percutaneous drainage of perisigmoid abscesses to avoid colostomy

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous drainage can be a conservative option for abscess formation subsequent to acute inflammation of the sigmoid colon. CASE REPORTS: Three patients, aged 36, 65 and 77 years, were hospitalized f or abscesses in the peri-sigmoid region. All three were treated with echogu ided percutaneous drainage. The infectious phenomena regressed rapidly allo wing secondary left colectomy 6 to 8 dais later with immediate colorectal a nastomosis. DISCUSSION: Hartman's resection is indicated for perforated diverticules of the sigmoid colon with formation of pelvic abscess and must be followed by a second laparotomy to re-establish colorectal continuity Percutaneous dra inage can successfully treat the acute septic component an allow planning t he surgical procedure later in better conditions. With percutaneous drainag e. temporary colostomy can be avoided in selected patients.