CT-Guided Retroperitoneal Drain Catheter Placement
This procedure uses computed tomography (CT) imaging to guide the placement of a drainage catheter into the retroperitoneal space, the area behind the abdominal cavity, to drain a collection of fluid such as an abscess or hematoma.
["A CT-guided retroperitoneal drain placement is an image-guided procedure to safely drain fluid collections located deep behind the abdomen."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42287-3
- Short code
- CT Guide Retroperitoneum Drn+cath place
- Synonyms
- CT Guide Retroperitoneum Drn+cath place
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is the Retroperitoneum?
The retroperitoneum is the space in the back of the abdomen, behind the main abdominal cavity. It contains organs such as the kidneys, pancreas, and parts of the large intestine, along with major blood vessels. Fluid collections can form here after infection, surgery, trauma, or other conditions.
Why the Procedure Is Done
Your doctor may recommend this procedure to drain an abscess (a pocket of infection), a hematoma (a collection of blood), a fluid collection after surgery, or other abnormal fluid buildup. Draining the collection can relieve symptoms, help treat infection, and allow the fluid to be tested in the laboratory.
How the Procedure Works
You will typically lie on a CT scanner table. The skin is numbed with local anesthesia, and CT images are used to guide a needle and then a thin catheter (a flexible tube) into the fluid collection. The catheter is left in place so fluid can drain over time, often into an attached bag.
What to Expect Afterwards
You may have a small bandage at the insertion site and the drain will need to be monitored and cared for. Your care team will check that fluid is draining properly and may adjust or remove the catheter when appropriate. Follow all instructions about activity, dressing care, and when to seek help.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
CT-guided drainage is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery for many fluid collections. It can provide symptom relief, help control infection, and supply fluid samples for laboratory testing that guide antibiotic or other treatment. As with any procedure, there are risks such as bleeding, infection, or catheter dislodgement, which your care team will discuss with you.
Frequently asked questions
Does the procedure hurt?
How long will the drain stay in?
When should I call my doctor?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy