Image Guided Abdominal Abscess Drainage - Benefits and Risks

No surgical incision is needed- only a small superficial incision in the skin that will not require stitches after the exam.

Any procedure where the skin is penetrated carries a risk of infection, however the chance of infection requiring treatment is very small.
There is a very slight right of allergic reaction to contrast material.
Very rarely, an adjacent organ may be damaged.
Occasionally bleeding may occur.
The catheter placed may become blocked or displaced requiring changing of the catheter. In addition, a very large fluid collection may require more than one abscess drain.