Objectives

- To show percutaneous drainage and sclerotherapy of abdominal post-surgical cavities as a minimally invasive interventional procedure radiologists should be aware of as a safe and effective alternative to surgery.

- To review the sclerotherapy procedure step by step: indications, contraindications, complications, technical aspects, follow-up and report.

- To familiarize with different sclerosing agents.

Background

Lymphoceles and peritoneal inclusion cysts are common surgical complications in patients undergoing abdominal procedures, commonly after retroperitoneal and pelvic lymphadenectomy. In recent years, there has been a greatly increased demand for image-guided drainage and sclerotherapy of these cavities, mainly due to the safety and effectiveness of minimal invasive radiology interventions as an alternative to surgery.

Imaging findings OR Procedure findings

This education exhibit focuses on the sclerotherapy procedure of cavities occurred after abdominal interventions. It reviews the indications, contraindications, potential complications and the step by step approach of the technique, follow-up and recommended report. A review of the different suitable sclerosing agents is also attained.

A visual algorithm for management and treatment of abdominal post-surgical cavities is proposed, in order to facilitate the sclerotherapy procedure and follow-up.

Conclusion

Percutaneous techniques such as cavity sclerotherapy are becoming increasingly accepted for treatment of lymphoceles and peritoneal inclusion cysts occurring after abdominal surgery. An update on this technique is presented.