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

- Larger initial abscess drain size did not reduce drainage time or drain exchanges.
- 8 F drains are adequate for initial drainage of most serous collections.
- 10 F drains are adequate for initial drainage of most purulent collections.
- Collections greater than 250 mL required 16 days longer drainage time.
- Collections with a fistula to bowel required 17 days longer drainage time.

BackgroundThe 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.Methods144 consecutive patients who underwent abscess drainage at a single institution were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsLarger 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.Conclusions8 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.