[An update in the treatment of intra-abdominal abscesses].
OBJECTIVE
Intra-abdominal abscesses represent a relatively severe complication in gastroenterological surgery owing to their association with high levels of morbidity and mortality.


METHODS
The authors report their experience between January 1990 and January 1996 in 11 patients with intra-abdominal abscesses secondary to emergency surgery for gastroenterology in 10 cases and gynecology in 1 case. After the lesion had been identified using ultrasonography and CT, it was emptied, washed with antibiotic and drained using Seldinger's ultrasonographic and CT-guided technique. Small abscesses (less than 5 mm) were completed removed.


RESULTS
The following results were obtained: the immediate disappearance of pain and fever, accompanied by improved general conditions, restoration of canalisation and closure of the abscess cavity (on average between 10 and 15 days).


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, ultrasonographic-CT guided drainage of postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses, which were previously managed using surgical methods, appears to be the best treatment, relying on the use of imaging techniques and thereby allowing both morbidity and mortality to be reduced.
Vadalà
G
G
Cattedra di Chirurgia d'Urgenza e Pronto Soccorso, Università degli Studi, Catania.
Caragliano
V
V
Castorina
R
R
Caragliano
L
L
Caragliano
P
P
D000005:Abdomen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
Attualità nel trattamento degli ascessi intraddominali.