Ultrasono-guided percutaneous catheter drainage of 28 abscesses and fluid collections was performed, In 24 cases, operation was avoided and the patients were cured (24/28). Of these, 4 cass were recurred and repeated catheter drainage was performed . There were two failure and partial success was achieved in 2 cases ; in these patients. operation was necessary, although the patients benefited from the percutaneous draingage, Cures and partial success totaled 26/28. We describe significance of the diagnostic needle aspiration , especially in predicting the drainability of cavity contents. We review aspects of postprocedurecatheter management including irrigation and timining of withdrawal.