Temporizing effect of percutaneous drainage of complicated abscesses in critically ill patients.

Fifteen patients who would not have been candidates for percutaneous abscess drainage previously, and who were exceedingly high-risk for surgery, underwent initial catheter drainage. The patients were critically ill and had complicated abscesses, which were poorly defined, multiloculated, phlegmonous, and had associated fistulas. The percutaneous drainages were not curative. However, the patients dramatically improved and became fit for surgery (13 patients) or another interventional procedure (three patients). Five hypotensive patients were stabilized by the catheter drainage; mean white blood cell count in the 15 patients decreased by 14,000/mm3; mean temperature decreased from 40 degrees C to 38.1 degrees C; and anemia, coagulation factors, and overall condition improved. Eventual surgery was more limited (directed to the cause of the abscess) and less time-consuming. All these high-risk patients survived with this combined radiologic-surgical approach. Temporizing percutaneous abscess drainage in gravely ill patients with complex abscesses offers significant therapeutic benefit, although it may not be curative. With realistic expectations for partial success rather than cure, the scope of candidates for percutaneous drainage has broadened.