Definitive computed tomography-guided percutaneous drainage of right upper abdominal abscesses was performed in eight patients (11 procedures). A lateral perpendicular approach was used in all cases. An Argyl trocar catheter was used in nine procedures and a pigtail catheter in two. The drainage was successful in seven patients. In one patient no drainable abscess was found. Percutaneous abdominal abscess drainage should be considered a satisfactory alternative to surgical drainage in poor-risk patients as well as in patients who have had repeated operations in whom any further surgery may be unduly difficult.