Transrectal drainage of a diverticular abscess using a pigtail catheter without radiological guidance: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous or endocavitory drainage of a diverticular abscess under radiological guidance often enables one to perform a one-staged resection and anastomosis (without stoma formation) instead of a two-staged procedure. It reduces the significant postoperative morbidity and mortality associated with the conventional emergency surgical management. However, radiological guidance is not always available due to limited resources during out-of-hours. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old Caucasian woman underwent transrectal drainage of a diverticular abscess performed with a pigtail catheter without radiological guidance. Technical details of the procedure are described and alternative options discussed. CONCLUSION: In carefully selected patients, per-rectal drainage using a pigtail catheter can be performed without radiological guidance and the procedure offers a simple and effective way of controlling sepsis.