Nonsurgical drainage of appendiceal abscesses.

Five patients with abdominal abscesses complicating appendicitis were successfully treated by catheter drainage. In two patients, the percutaneous procedure was performed after incomplete surgical drainage; in three patients it was used as the only means of initial drainage. No interval appendectomy was required and no complications were associated with the procedure. Percutaneous management of appendiceal abscesses can be proposed as an alternative to surgical drainage.