Image Guided Abdominal Abscess Drainage- About the Exam

Image guided abdominal abscess drainage is a minimally invasive procedure used to drain an abscess that has formed in the abdomen. An abscess is an infected fluid collection within the body which can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, and pain in the location of the abscess.

An abscess can form after a surgery or may be a result of an infection. Image guided abdominal abscess drainage removes the infected fluid from the body using CT imaging, ultrasound imaging, or x-ray imaging to guide the radiologist to the abssess.

What you can expect during a image guided abdominal abscess drainage:

You will be asked to lie flat on your back on the examination table.
You may be connected to monitors to track your vitals during the procedure.
Your radiologist or technologist will insert an IV line into a vein in your hand or arm.
Your physician will inject local anesthesia to numb the area.
The area of your body where the abscess drain catheter is to be inserted will be sterilized and covered.
A very small incision will be made at the site.
Your radiologist will then use CT imaging, ultrasound imaging, or x-ray imaging to place a catheter through the skin and into the abscess to allow for drainage of the infected fluid.
Your IV will be removed.
An image guided abdominal abscess drainage exam is completed within 30 minutes to an hour.

Learn how to prepare for image guided abdominal abscess drainage.

Learn the benefits and risks of image guided abdominal abscess drainage.

Watch the X-ray - What to Expect Video.