The drain-tract sinogram. Guide to the removal of drains and the diagnosis of postoperative abdominal sepsis
Dougherty, S.H.; Simmons, R.L.
American Surgeon 49(9): 511-516
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1348 PMID: 6625364 Document Number: 210041
Sinography via previously established abdominal drains or tracts from which drains had been removed may be useful in the diagnosis of postoperative intra-abdominal sepsis. Six cases are presented in which drain tract sinograms with water-soluble contrast facilitated the diagnosis of otherwise cryptic intra-abdominal abscesses, retroperitoneal abscesses, or enteric leaks. In addition, repeated drain tract sinograms can be used to determine the proper timing of intra-abdominal drain removal and may avoid the septic complication of drain removal in cases of residual intra-abdominal sepsis or undiagnosed enterocutaneous fistula.