Large gluteal abscesses as a complication of transgluteal drainage of pelvic abscesses: analysis of three cases and a search of the literature.
BACKGROUND
The percutaneous transgluteal approach is a well-accepted method for drainage of deep pelvic abscesses. Recently, in 3 patients, transgluteal drainage was complicated by the development of large gluteal abscesses requiring multiple surgical interventions.


METHODS
This report describes these cases as well as a search of the literature.


RESULTS
Three patients with a complicated clinical course after colon resection are described. After CT-guided percutaneous transgluteal drainage of the pelvic abscess, large gluteal abscesses were diagnosed after 2-6 weeks. Subsequent surgical interventions were needed to adequately drain these abscesses. In the literature, transgluteal drainage of pelvic abscesses is well described as a safe and efficient method. However, until now the development of gluteal abscesses has not been mentioned as a complication in the literature.


CONCLUSIONS
In our own experience, a transrectally (radiologically or surgically performed) drainage route is recommended in patients who develop a deep pelvic abscess after bowel resection and suspicion of an anastomotic leak.
van Doesburg
I A J
IA
Department of Surgery, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
Boerma
D
D
Bollen
T L
TL
van Ramshorst
B
B
Wiezer
M J
MJ
D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D000368:Aged; D002081:Buttocks; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D034161:Pelvic Infection / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome