Ultrasound-guided catheter localization of intrahepatic abscesses--an aid in open surgical drainage.

A catheter placed by the radiologist in a hepatic abscess before operation affords many luxuries to the surgeon. Percutaneous aspiration of the abscess provides material for Gram stain and culture, thereby allowing appropriate perioperative selection of antibiotics. The decompression provided gives the surgeon time to prepare the patient adequately for operation. Most important, use of the catheter as a guide to the abscess allows the surgeon to select the optimal approach to the liver and then proceed directly to the involved area. In this way operating time, blood loss, damage to uninvolved areas of the liver, and unnecessary contamination are kept to a minimum.