[Treatment of psoas abscess: percutaneous drainage or open surgery].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Psoas abscess is currently an uncommon disease and is often difficult to diagnose because of its minor initial symptoms. We compare treatment by percutaneous drainage and surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five patients, all immunodepressed, which appears to be an important factor in the aetiology and pathogenesis of psoas abscess. Computed tomography appears to be the best diagnostic method. RESULTS: Three subjects underwent open surgery and developed serious complications in contrast with two patients treated by CT-guided percutaneous drainage, preceded by antibiotics. CONCLUSION: First-line percutaneous drainage appears to be the best approach at the present time, reserving open surgery for very large abscesses.