Use of the Transrectal Ultrasound Probe in Aspiration and Drainage in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract Purpose To retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe use for aspiration and drainage of pelvic abscesses in children. Materials and Methods Patient demographics, procedural details, technical success, safety, and clinical course of TRUS procedures were retrospectively analyzed. Between 2007 and 2016, 118 TRUS-guided procedures were performed in 115 children (60 males, 55 females); median age was 12.4 years (range, 2.4–17.9 years) and median weight was 45 kg (range, 12.6–112 kg). Ten children were 5 years of age or younger. Results In total, 113/118 procedures were performed under general anesthesia. The rectum accommodated the probe and needle guide without resistance in all children (technical feasibility, 100%). Abscesses were anterior to the rectum in 116/118 and posterior in 2/118. One hundred twelve collections were drained, 4 were aspirated, and 2 procedures were aborted, both subsequently successfully drained (2 and 3 days later). One patient underwent repeat drainage after 28 months. No major complications were reported. Median times to temperature normalization was 0 days (mean, 1.2; range, 0-13 days), catheter dwell time 5 days (mean, 6; range, 2-21 days), drain removal to discharge 1 day (mean, 2; range, 0-41 days), and follow-up 117 days (mean, 195; range, 5-2,690 days). Conclusions TRUS-guided drainage using the TRUS probe and needle guide is a safe and effective method for aspiration and drainage of pelvic abscesses in children as young as 2 years.