Image-guided percutaneous drainage involves using a catheter (a thin tube) to drain an abscess or a collection of fluid or air under image guidance. The interventional radiologist will insert a flexible catheter through a small cut in your skin and will guide the catheter to the collection of fluid or air. The fluid or air will then be collected in a drainage bag.

Drainage catheters are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and types. The interventional radiologist will choose the catheter according to the type of fluid, along with other indications. If you are on any medication that prevents blood clotting, you will stop taking it before the procedure, if possible.

Percutaneous drainage can be performed as an in-patient or out-patient procedure. The puncture site and your vital signs will be monitored for 4-6 hours. You will experience some mild discomfort around the puncture site in the first few hours after the procedure. The interventional radiologist will periodically follow up using imaging to confirm that the abscess or fluid collection has gone.

US, FLUOROSCOPIC OR CT GUIDED DRAINAGE OF COLLECTIONS, ABCESS OR FLUID