OBJECTIVE To evaluate the success of percutaneous, CT-guided abscess drainage (PAD) in patients with Crohn's disease. METHODS Within the last 5 years 8 patients with Crohn's disease were treated by PAD for intra-abdominal abscesses. A fistula was determined to be the cause in 4 patients. The abscesses arose spontaneously in 7 patients while one patient had a postoperative abscess. We used single lumen 10 F- and double lumen 12 F- and 14 F-catheters for drainage (duration of drainage 8-20 days). RESULTS In all cases the abscess was successfully drained by PAD. However, an operation-free interval of at least three months was achieved in only two patients. A healing of the fistula was not attained in any of the 4 patients with a proven fistula. No enterocutaneous fistulas arose within the course of PAD. CONCLUSIONS PAD is also useful for patients with Crohn's disease since it improves the starting situation for the necessary operative interventions. In most cases (especially with enterogenic fistulas), however, a long-lasting therapeutic result cannot be expected.