Background and study aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of endosonographically guided transrectal aspiration and drainage by plastic stent of deep pelvic abscesses, using a therapeutic echo endoscope device.
Patients and methods: Between September 2000 and June 2001, 12 patients (nine men, three women, mean age 67 years) were treated for a perirectal or a pelvic abscess using an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) technique. The drainage of these fluid collections was performed under EUS guidance, using therapeutic EUS scopes with a large working channel.
Results: No major complication occurred during this study. Transrectal stent insertion succeeded in nine patients. In three patients, only aspiration was possible. Among the nine patients in whom a stent was successfully introduced into the fluid collection, complete drainage without relapse was achieved in eight patients (mean follow-up 10.6 months, range 6-14 months). The stent was removed endoscopically after 3 to 6 months. Drainage was incomplete in one patient (with a large abscess, diameter > 8 cm), who subsequently underwent surgical drainage. However, two out of the three patients in whom aspiration alone was performed developed a recurrence of the abscess and required surgical treatment.
Conclusion: EUS-guided drainage of deep pelvic abscesses could offer an alternative treatment to surgery in the management of these postoperative complications.