ABSTRACT
In this article, we discuss the role of the interventional radiologist in the management
of primary enteric abdominal and pelvic abscess. General principles regarding catheter
selection, approaches to catheter placement, catheter management, and patient follow-up
are discussed. We focus on patient management in the treatment of abdominal abscess
related to diverticulitis, appendicitis, and Crohn's disease. The advantages of image-guided
percutaneous abscess drainage, the technical success rates of percutaneous abscess
drainage in specific primary enteric diseases, and the collaborative role of the interventional
radiologist with the surgeon are stressed.
KEYWORDS
Abscess - percutaneous drainage - diverticulitis - appendicitis - Crohn's disease