Transrectal drainage of a diverticular abscess using a pigtail catheter without radiological guidance: a case report

• Main Authors: Lawson John, Dasari Bobby VM, Lee Jack
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-01-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/5/1/1

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Percutaneous or endocavitory drainage of a diverticular abscess under radiological guidance often enables one to perform a one-staged resection and anastomosis (without stoma formation) instead of a two-staged procedure. It reduces the significant postoperative morbidity and mortality associated with the conventional emergency surgical management. However, radiological guidance is not always available due to limited resources during out-of-hours.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 78-year-old Caucasian woman underwent transrectal drainage of a diverticular abscess performed with a pigtail catheter without radiological guidance. Technical details of the procedure are described and alternative options discussed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In carefully selected patients, per-rectal drainage using a pigtail catheter can be performed without radiological guidance and the procedure offers a simple and effective way of controlling sepsis.</p>