Management of pelvic abscess complicating a rectoanal fistula using endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage with an electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent

The management of pelvic abscess is mainly radiological or surgical [1]. The use of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) allows efficient drainage of intra-abdominal collections [2]. A few retrospective studies and case series have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of EUS-guided drainage of pelvic abscesses [3] [4] [5]. We present a case of a large pelvic abscess complicating a rectoanal fistula that was successfully drained without recurrence using an electrocautery-enhanced LAMS.

During the lockdown due to COVID-19, an 81-year-old woman waited 1 month before attending the emergency room for rectoanal pain with fever. On her admission, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a large pelvic abscess measuring 11 cm ([Fig. 1]). The location of the pelvic abscess did not allow for radiological drainage, and the patient’s medical history precluded surgical management. EUS-guided drainage of the pelvic abscess was performed a week after the patient’s admission ([Video 1]).

Fig. 1 View of a large pelvic abscess on magnetic resonance imaging (blue arrow: rectal lumen; orange arrows: pelvic abscess).

Video 1 Endoscopic management of a pelvic abscess due to rectoanal fistula (orange arrows: pelvic abscess).

The abscess was accessed using a 19-G needle and aspirated purulent liquid was sent for bacteriological analysis. A 0.025-inch guidewire was introduced through the needle into the abscess. The fistula tract was created using the electrocautery-enhanced LAMS (10 × 10 mm). Then, the LAMS was deployed to drain the abscess into the lumen of the colon ([Fig. 2 a, b]). During the same procedure, a double pigtail stent was inserted through the LAMS ([Fig. 2 c]). No adverse events were reported. At 1 week, endoscopic cleaning of the abscess was performed through the LAMS. The LAMS was removed after 3 weeks and replaced by a double pigtail stent. At 6 months, the double pigtail stent had migrated outwards and the abscess disappeared without recurrence ([Fig. 3]).

Fig. 2 Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of a pelvic abscess using an electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS). a Deployment of the proximal flange of the LAMS into the pelvic abscess under EUS guidance. b Deployment of the distal flange of the LAMS into the rectal lumen under endoscopic guidance. c A double pigtail stent was inserted through the LAMS.

Fig. 3 Computed tomography 6 months later showed no recurrence of the abscess.

This case highlights the use of a LAMS in the drainage of a pelvic abscess and successful outcome without recurrence. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm the use of LAMS for this indication and to determine the place of EUS-guided drainage of pelvic collections.

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Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

• References

• 1 Sartelli M, Chichom-Mefire A, Labricciosa FM. et al. The management of intra-abdominal infections from a global perspective: 2017 WSES guidelines for management of intra-abdominal infections. World J Emerg Surg 2017; 12: 29
• 2 Sharma P, McCarty TR, Chhoda A. et al. Alternative uses of lumen apposing metal stents. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26: 2715-2728
• 3 Fernandez-Urien I. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pelvic collections and abscesses. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2010; 2: 223
• 4 Lisotti A, Cominardi A, Bacchilega I. et al. EUS-guided transrectal drainage of pelvic fluid collections using electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents: a case series. VideoGIE 2020; 5: 380-385
• 5 Poincloux L, Caillol F, Allimant C. et al. Long-term outcome of endoscopic ultrasound-guided pelvic abscess drainage: a two-center series. Endoscopy 2017; 49: 484-490

Publication History

Article published online:
14 January 2021