Diverticular abscess successfully treated by endoscopic transluminal drainage. (I.F. 1.348)

Since colonoscopy is typically contraindicated in com-plicated diverticular disease of the colon, very few casesof intraluminal diverticular abscesses have been described.Significant diverticular abscesses usually require CT scanner-guided percutaneous drainage [1]. However, this proceduremay be impossible in 15—30% of cases, mainly because ofthe interposition of small bowel loops between the abscessand the abdominal wall. Furthermore, abscess recurrence orfistula formation may occur. Over the last few years, endo-scopic transluminal diverticular abscess drainage has provenuseful in the management of diverticular abscess as a novelconservative treatment option [2,3]. Endoscopic drainageof other types of colonic abscesses using a simple biopsyforceps have also been reported in the caecum [4].