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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jun 16, 2010; 2(6): 223-227
Published online Jun 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i6.223
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pelvic collections and abscesses
Ignacio Fernandez-Urien, Juan J Vila, Francisco Javier Jimenez
Ignacio Fernandez-Urien, Juan J Vila, Francisco Javier Jimenez, Endoscopy Unit, Gastroenterology Department, Hospital de Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
Author contributions: Fernandez-Urien I and Vila JJ wrote this paper; and Jimenez FJ reviewed it.
Correspondence to: Ignacio Fernandez-Urien, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Navarra, Irunlarrea, 3, Pamplona 31008, Spain. ifurien@yahoo.es
Telephone: +34-848-422222
Received: January 18, 2010
Revised: May 25, 2010
Accepted: June 1, 2010
Published online: June 16, 2010
Abstract

Pelvic abscesses are usually the end stage in the progression of an infection. They may occur from surgical complications, generalized abdominal infections such as appendicitis or diverticulitis, or from localized infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Although surgery has been considered as the treatment of choice by some authors, pelvic abscesses can be managed by non-invasive methods such as ultrasound and computed tomography-guided drainage. The development of therapeutic linear echoendoscopes has allowed the endoscopist to perform therapeutic procedures. Recently, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided drainage of pelvic collections has been demonstrated to be feasible, efficient and safe. It allows the endoscopist to insert stents and drainage catheters into the abscess cavity which drains through the large bowel. This article reviews technique, current results and future prospects of EUS-guided drainage of pelvic lesions.

Keywords: Endoscopic ultrasound; Abscess; Collection; Pelvis; Drainage