Transrectal versus transvaginal abscess drainage: Survey of patient tolerance and effect on activities of daily living RADIOLOGY Hovsepian, D. M., Steele, J. R., Skinner, C. S., Malden, E. S. 1999; 212 (1): 159-163

Abstract

To evaluate patient perception of pain related to transrectal and transvaginal drainage and the catheter's effect on activities of daily living.From July 1993 to August 1997, 22 male and 40 female patients (mean age, 41 years; age range, 4-80 years) underwent transrectal or transvaginal aspiration or drainage. Fifty-seven drainages were performed. In a follow-up survey, patients were asked to score pain experienced during the procedure and afterward on a scale of 1-10 and to rate the effect of the catheter on their activities of daily living.Twenty-two patients participated in the telephone survey. For those able to recall the insertion procedure, the mean pain score was 3.2 for transrectal and 5.9 for transvaginal drainage. Mean indwelling catheter pain was 1.6 for transrectal and 4.8 for transvaginal drainage. Pain after removal was 1.4 for transrectal and 2.3 for transvaginal drainage. Only one patient with a transrectal catheter reported severe limitation (bowel movement), with no reports of any serious effect on urinating, bathing, sitting, or walking. Transvaginally placed catheters caused marked limitation in all categories and were more painful than transrectal catheters (P < .05).Of the transrectal and transvaginal approaches, transrectal is better tolerated.

View details for Web of Science ID 000081086900025

View details for PubMedID 10405736