ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the usefulness of the treatment with Urokinase (UK) in percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses (IAA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, observational study of 50 patients treated in the Interventional Radiology Unit from University Hospital Lozano Blesa .Zaragoza. Spain. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia and ultrasound control, using Pigtail catheters (12-14 F). PH , D-dimer determination and microbiological studies were done from the initial aspirated sample. Subsequently, we injected 10 cc of UK (100,000 IU) 3 times a day for 3 days at least. Variables study: RESOLUTION (Principal variable). Other variables included epidemiological, specific prognostic indexes (Mannheim, Altona); types of abscesses (location/origin), pH, D-Dímer and microbiology. Technical success, days of treatment, stay and mortality were also analyzed. RESOLUTION: 86%; technical success: 100%; subsequent surgery: 3 cases. Mean treatment days: 7. Mean stay: 12 days. Death rate: 8% (PMI=or>13 and PIA II=or<-3,76). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of IAA through percutaneous drainage and washed with urokinase, is a safe, feasible and reproducible technique. The outcomes are similar to those reported previously.