CT versus ultrasound guidance for percutaneous drainages in the pediatric population: an institutional review meant to limit radiation

Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous drainage is a minimally invasive procedure that allows for accurate diagnosis and therapy with minimal complications. The drawback is that CT guidance carries a significant amount of radiation exposure. CT-guided percutaneous drainages have been widely used in adults and have been gaining momentum within the pediatric population. Through a thorough review of our institution's (Montefiore Medical Center) CT-guided percutaneous drainages within our pediatric patients, we assessed the radiation exposure per study as well as which studies were deemed possible under ultrasound guidance as a possible alternative.