title: [An update in the treatment of intra-abdominal abscesses].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Chirurgia d'Urgenza e Pronto Soccorso, Università degli Studi, Catania.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vadalà
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Caragliano
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Castorina
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Caragliano
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Caragliano
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
vernacular_title: Attualità nel trattamento degli ascessi intraddominali.