The Concise Surgery Reviewfor the ABSITE and Boards
All operations

Hepatic Abscess - Drainage

  • Percutaneous catheter placement involves the insertion of 8 to 14 Fr pigtail catheter over a guidewire under imaging guidance, often either ultrasound or CT.
  • The abscess cavity is then studied by the injection of contrast through the catheter.
  • The catheter is left to gravity or suction until complete resolution of drainage occurs.

Educational aid only. Verify every dose, indication, and guideline against current institutional protocol. This is not a substitute for clinical judgment.