The drain-tract sinogram. Guide to the removal of drains and the diagnosis of postoperative abdominal sepsis.

Sinography via previously established abdominal drains or tracts from which drains had been removed may be useful in the diagnosis of postoperative intra-abdominal sepsis. Six cases are presented in which drain tract sinograms with water-soluble contrast facilitated the diagnosis of otherwise cryptic intra-abdominal abscesses, retroperitoneal abscesses, or enteric leaks. In addition, repeated drain tract sinograms can be used to determine the proper timing of intra-abdominal drain removal and may avoid the septic complication of drain removal in cases of residual intra-abdominal sepsis or undiagnosed enterocutaneous fistula.