ABSTRACT
A study of 15 patients who had intra-abdominal abscesses which were drained percutaneously. Either coventional medical treatment had failed in these patients or some were considered poor surgical risks. Ultrasound guided percutaneous catheter drainage was employed to avoid open surgical procedure and minimize hospital stay. In our series 11 patients recovered completely, out of the total 15 [over 73%]. While in open surgical treatment the success rate is 51-67%, with higher morbidity and mortality. Ultrasound images provided adequate detail about the abscess. It also delineated the safe route for catheter from the skin to the abscess cavity. Follow-up ultrasound scans provided a good indicator of remaining pus and the location of the catheter-tip within the draining abscess