American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 164, 201-206, Copyright © 1995 by American Roentgen Ray Society

ARTICLES

Treatment of pelvic abscesses: value of one-step sonographically guided transrectal needle aspiration and lavage

E Kuligowska, E Keller and JT Ferrucci
Boston University Medical Center, MA 02118.

OBJECTIVE. The percutaneous treatment of pelvic abscesses has traditionally involved the placement of drainage catheters via a transgluteal, transrectal, or transvaginal route. These procedures are painful and prolonged. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a one-step, single-puncture method for draining pelvic abscesses by use of a transrectal sonographically guided needle for aspiration and lavage instead of a two-step Seldinger technique for catheter placement. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Thirty-three pelvic abscesses in 24 patients were drained by use of transrectal ultrasound guidance. All abscesses were initially seen on transrectal sonograms or CT scans and ranged from 2 to 11 cm in diameter. Abscesses were located in the prostate (n = five), seminal vesicles (n = five), pouch of Douglas (n = 21), and interloop (between bowel loops) (n = two). Causes of pouch of Douglas (cul-de-sac) abscesses included appendicitis (n = two), Crohn's disease (n = two), diverticulitis (n = three), trauma (n = six), HIV infection (n = two), complications of sigmoidectomy (n = one), complications of colectomy (n = one), pelvic inflammatory disease (n = two), and severe prostatitis (n = two). Interloop abscesses were attributable to HIV infection (n = one) and lymphoma (n = one). The procedure was performed without a cleansing enema or local anesthesia and required less than 30 min. An 18-gauge needle was inserted transrectally into the abscess cavity under transrectally guided sonography. The fluid collection was completely aspirated, and the cavity was lavaged with saline. Administration of antibiotics for 7-21 days, rather than prolonged catheter drainage, was used to treat residual infection. Resolution was documented after 7 days by sonography or CT examination. RESULTS. Transrectal aspiration was successful in treating 28 (85%) of the 33 pelvic abscesses in 21 (88%) of the 24 patients. Failure occurred in three patients, two with multiple abscesses and one with an enteric fistula for whom surgical drainage was subsequently required. The volume of aspirates ranged from 5 to 220 ml. There were no complications. CONCLUSION. Transrectal sonographically guided needle aspiration-lavage offers a one-step method for treating pelvic abscesses that does not require catheter placement or prolonged drainage. The procedure produces minimal discomfort and essentially no complications. Our results show that transrectal sonographically guided needle aspiration combined with antibiotic therapy is an effective treatment for pelvic abscesses.
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