Percutaneous drainage of abdominal fluid collections in children.

Percutaneous drainage of intraabdominal fluid collections was performed in 13 children. After initial diagnosis with either sonography or computed tomography, a smallbore aspiration needle (22 gauge) was guided into the collection, usually by sonography. In five patients, complete evacuation was possible using the aspirating needle alone. In seven others, the fluid was successfully drained via a catheter introduced percutaneously. In one patient, surgery was required for complete evacuation of a hematoma containing large blood clots. There were no complications.