Abscesses and circumscribed collections of fluid are frequently found as complications
of infectious diseases or surgery. Drainage is often indicated. We created a new,
self- and easy-to-make model to learn and improve competence in installing ultrasound-guided
drainage of abscesses.
For this purpose, several water balloons were placed in a plastic box which then was
filled with instant custard powder mixed with water. Computed tomography (CT) of this
box was performed. Experienced (n=4) and not experienced examiners (n=4) drained the
balloons using either ultrasound-guidance alone or volume navigation with image fusion
(ultrasound with CT). Trainees filled out a questionnaire (before and after the training)
asking for information on their experience in ultrasound, in installing drainages
and evaluating the new model. The time needed to perform the drainage was measured.
None of the participants ever attended a course on drainage installation. Only few
of the experienced examiners (n=2) would autonomously install a drainage into a fluid
process sizing more than 4cm before the training. Afterwards all candidates felt more
confident in ultrasound and all physicians felt more certain in installing drainages
into abscesses. Most probands rated volume navigation with image fusion as a helpful
tool. Time needed for drainage was 4.6min (range: 1–8min) for ultrasound-guidance
alone and 4.7min (range: 3–8min) for image fusion.
Ultrasound-guided drainage of abscesses can be trained easily with this new model.
Students and physicians can improve skills and gain confidence in performing ultrasound-guided
interventions.
