Purpose: To assess the CT-guided transgluteal approach for percutaneous interventional image guided procedures.
Materials and methods: CT guided transgluteal approach through the greater sciatic foramen was used for diagnostic procedure (CT guided needle biopsy of presacral masses n=5) or percutaneous treatment (aspiration n=4, and drainage n=10) in 19 patients, mean age 58 years (age range 20-86).
Results: No technical failure occurred. A histological diagnostic was obtained in all diagnostic procedures. The success rate for therapeutic procedures was 87% and allowed to postpone surgery in 2 cases. In 2 patients a small pelvic hematoma occurred after catheter placement, but remained without consequence. Recurrences of collection occurred in 2 cases, one treated medically and the other surgically. Two patients suffered from transient deep pelvic pain, which resolved after catheter removal.
Conclusion: CT-guided percutaneous transgluteal procedures may be successfully performed in patients who cannot undergo trans-perineal, trans-rectal or trans-vaginal approach and is a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic option.