Percutaneous Drainage of Pediatric Pulmonary Abscesses: An Effective Therapy

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Pulmonary abscess is a complication of lung infection with localized necrosis and purulent cavity formation. Pulmonary abscesses are typically managed using antibiotic therapy with anatomic surgical resection reserved as a rescue. Percutaneous drainage is considered relatively contraindicated in some centers due to perceived risk of bronchopleural fistula. However, drain placement has been frequently employed at our institution. The purpose of this study was to review and describe our longitudinal experience.

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Article · May 2024 · 1 min read

In brief

This study reviews institutional experience with percutaneous drainage for pediatric pulmonary abscesses, challenging the traditional view that drain placement risks bronchopleural fistula. The authors present longitudinal data supporting percutaneous drainage as an effective alternative to surgical resection in managing localized lung infections with cavity formation.

Pulmonary abscess involves localized lung necrosis with purulent cavity formation as a complication of infection.
Standard treatment is antibiotics; surgical resection is reserved for refractory cases.
Percutaneous drainage is often avoided due to bronchopleural fistula risk but has been safely used at this institution.
This study reviews longitudinal institutional experience with percutaneous drainage as an effective alternative therapy.
Image-guided drainage may offer a minimally invasive option between antibiotics alone and surgical resection.

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