Percutaneous aspiration and catheter drainage of abscesses.

Since 1980, we have treated 23 abscesses in 21 pediatric patients by percutaneous needle aspiration or catheter drainage or both. Percutaneous management has been completely successful in 16 of 21 patients and 18 of the 23 abscesses. In two patients, abscess drainage was technically successful and improved the patient's condition, but surgery was later required because of other complicating conditions. There were three failures of percutaneous aspiration or catheter drainage. Three serious complications occurred, but there was no mortality. Percutaneous management of abscesses is often a safe and effective procedure in pyogenic liver and postoperative abscesses.