Intra-Abdominal Fluid Collections and Biopsies: Abdominal Trauma

Sanjay Gupta, MD

In this issue of DDI journal, we have made an attempt to cover the spectrum of image-guided biopsy and drainage procedures for digestive diseases focusing on abdominal organs. In addition, the role of interventional radiologic procedures in the management of abdominal trauma will be described. Image-guided percutaneous biopsy is a commonly used technique for obtaining tissue specimens from various regions of the body and plays a crucial role in patient management. In the era of personalized cancer medicine, the role of image-guided biopsy continues to evolve and expand. Image-guided needle biopsies are being increasingly used for obtaining tissue samples for biomarker and genetic analysis, to determine eligibility for clinical trials, and multiple time point sampling for monitoring of treatment response in patients receiving targeted therapies. In this issue, experts in the field provide detailed and comprehensive information on the technical aspects of percutaneous needle biopsy of various abdominal organs including the liver, spleen, pancreas, and peritoneal lesions. In addition, improvements in needle design and other innovations intended to enhance the diagnostic yield of biopsy specimens are reviewed. Patients presenting with abdominal or pelvic abscesses are routinely managed with percutaneous catheter drainage procedures using image guidance. In this issue, we provide an overview of the basic and advanced techniques used for percutaneous abscess drainage procedures, including pancreatic abscesses and fluid collections. Dr. Agostino discusses various techniques used for management of patients with enterocutaneous fistulae. Furthermore, new techniques and approaches that help provide safe percutaneous access to difficult-to-reach lesions and abscesses will be described. Interventional radiologists play a critical role in the management of patients with blunt abdominal and pelvic trauma. This issue has four papers that describe the image-guided interventional procedures that can be used in the management of patients with blunt abdominal trauma with solid organ injuries. I will like to thank the authors for their time, efforts, and contributions to this issue of DDI and I hope that the readers find the information educational and useful for their daily practice. I will also like to thank Dr. Baljendra Kapoor for giving me this opportunity to edit this issue of DDI.