Status of percutaneous catheter drainage of abscesses

Percutaneous catheter drainage is an effective treatment for abscesses arising in a variety of sites. The most experience has been gained in the treatment of intra-abdominal abscesses, which has led to the recognition of the efficacy of catheter drainage as the sole decompressive procedure of simple bacterial abscesses. Additionally, catheter drainage has been effective for the palliation of complex intra-abdominal infections, allowing for a planned operative intervention after symptomatic improvement. The fully defined role of catheter drainage in the management of surgical infections, however, is still evolving.