Percutaneous drainage of multiseptated hepatic abscess

Thirteen patients with multiseptated, hepatic abscesses were initially treated by percutaneous drainage using computed tomographic guidance. One of these 13 patients required surgery because of failure of percutaneous drainage due to the viscosity of the debris within the multiseptated cavities. Another patient required a second percutaneous drainage procedure due to recurrent hepatic fluid collection. Eleven of the 12 successful drainages were accomplished with one catheter because there was communication between the multiseptated "pockets." Our approach to hepatic abscess drainage is discussed with specific attention to the multiseptated abscess. The multiseptated abscess should not discourage an attempt at percutaneous catheter drainage.