Complications of Percutaneous Fluid Drainage

Abstract

Percutaneous abscess drainage is one of the most common and rewarding procedures performed by interventional radiologists. Technical success is immediately apparent by aspiration of purulent contents and is nearly always achieved, with rates exceeding 90% in most literature studies. Clinical success is typical even for many abscesses colonized with multidrug-resistant organisms. In patients presenting with sepsis, this procedure offers an immediate and minimally invasive solution to a life-threatening condition, often resulting in defervescence and restoration of hemodynamic stability within 1 to 2 days. Although complications of abscess drainage are uncommon, radiologists should be able to recognize and treat all adverse sequelae discussed in this article.

A Case Report of a Mediastinal Fistula with Liver Abscesses as a Complication of Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

“…Here, we described a rare postoperative infectious complication consisting of a mediastinal-abdominal fistula. The abdominal course of the fistula ran parallel to the subxiphoid drainage tube suggesting a relationship between the postoperative complication and the chronically infected tube tract [4,5]. Moreover, the close relationship between fistula pathways and the small hepatic lobe, the prevalence of CT alterations on the left hepatic lobe and the macroscopic adherences found during emergency laparotomy between these structures addressed the fistula as the main cause of the infectious complication.…”

Percutaneous drainage of abdominal fluids using available materials: University of Benin teaching hospital experience

“…PD has replaced open surgical drainage in most situations, except when the abscess is very large, multi-septated and in cases where PD failed, sepsis is unabated, and when PD is impossible due to interposed structures such as overlying bowels [3,8,9]. This is because the procedure markedly reduces morbidity and mortality when compared with open surgical drainage by offering precise non-invasive localization of fluid collections, minimally invasive therapeutic techniques and avoidance of general anesthesia in most cases [3]. Lesser cosmetic deformities from puncture site when compared to scars from surgical drainage is another reason why percutaneous drainage is advantageous, especially now that people pay special attention to their personal appearance.…”

“…The evolution in interventional radiology arose from cooperative innovations between manufacturers of IR materials (such as Bill Cook) and interventionalists (such as Charles Dotter). Interventions in radiology now occur with minimally invasive procedures that have resulted in reduction in patients' morbidity, mortality, cost and hospital stay [2][3][4]. This new branch of medical science requires multi-disciplinary knowledge and the comprehensive application of interventional techniques as well as corroboration with clinicians [5].…”

Preventing Surgical Site Infections Related to Abdominal Drains in the Intensive Care Unit

“…15 Flushing should be performed with 3 to 5 mL (depending on the site) of 0.9% sodium chloride to assess If there is no exudate after 48 hours, the dressing may be removed and the drain site left open to air.…”

“…15 Always obtain an order to fl ush before fl ushing the catheter. Many closed drainage systems contain needleless connector ports or stopcocks on the drainage tubing for fl ushing the drainage system.…”