Percutaneous drainage of peri-sigmoid abscesses or how to avoid colostomy

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous drainage can be a conservative option for abscess formation subsequent to acute inflammation of the sigmoid colon. CASE REPORTS: Three patients, aged 36, 65 and 77 years, were hospitalized for abscesses in the peri-sigmoid region. All three were treated with echoguided percutaneous drainage. The infectious phenomena regressed rapidly allowing secondary left colectomy 6 to 8 dais later with immediate colorectal anastomosis. DISCUSSION: Hartman's resection is indicated for perforated diverticules of the sigmoid colon with formation of pelvic abscess and must be followed by a second laparotomy to re-establish colo-rectal continuity. Percutaneous drainage can successfully treat the acute septic component an allow planning the surgical procedure later in better conditions. With percutaneous drainage, temporary colostomy can be avoided in selected patients.