Percutaneous aspiration, drainage, and biopsies in children.

Percutaneous aspiration, drainage, and biopsy techniques can be performed safely and effectively in infants and children. Over the past 4 years we performed 11 aspiration, nine drainage, and 14 biopsy procedures in patients aged 1 day to 17 years. Success was achieved in 88% and 93% of drainages and biopsies, respectively. Our experience suggests that aspiration and drainage procedures are effective in the diagnosis and management of fluid collections and are often the only procedure required and that percutaneous biopsy techniques are applicable to the pediatric population.