Purpose: Intra abdominal and pelvic fluid collection is a serious problem that requires
drainage. The goal of our study was to report our experience and evaluate the feasibility, safety
and outcome of percutaneous image-guided aspiration versus catheter drainage of abdominal
and pelvic collections.
Patients and methods: This is a retrospective study of 84 patients (45 males and 39 females of mean
age 45.1 + 16.9 years) who have intra abdominal or pelvic collections and have a good coagulation
profile. Small (<5 cm) collections were treated by aspiration. Continuous catheter drainage was
applied to failed aspirations or large collection.
Results: 112 Drainage procedures were carried out in 84 patients guided by either ultrasound or
CT. Aspirations of 31 collections were carried out in 22 patients, and 81 catheters (8–10 French)
were inserted in 66 patients. Four patients had both aspirations and catheters. The collections were
either sterile or pus. Median diameter of aspirated collections was 4.2 cm (3–5 cm) compared to
7.2 cm (6–12 cm) of those treated by catheters P <0.05. Technical success was 100% in both aspiration
and catheter insertion using the Seldinger technique but it was 87% with the trocar technique.
Clinical success rate for aspiration was 94% (n= 29) but increased to 100% after
catheter insertion and that of catheter was 95%. No major complications were encountered.