Effect of abdominopelvic abscess drain size on drainage time and probability of occlusion.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine whether larger abdominopelvic abscess drains reduce the time required for abscess resolution or the probability of tube occlusion.

METHODS: 144 consecutive patients who underwent abscess drainage at a single institution were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS: Larger initial drain size did not reduce drainage time, drain occlusion, or drain exchanges (P > .05). Subgroup analysis did not find any type of collection that benefitted from larger drains. A multivariate model predicting drainage time showed that large collections (>200 mL) required 16 days longer drainage time than small collections (<50 mL). Collections with a fistula to bowel required 17 days longer drainage time than collections without a fistula. Initial drain size and the viscosity of the fluid in the collection had no significant effect on drainage time in the multivariate model.

CONCLUSIONS: 8 F drains are adequate for initial drainage of most serous and serosanguineous collections. 10 F drains are adequate for initial drainage of most purulent or bloody collections.