Percutaneous abscess drainage is a minimally invasive intervention performed under moderate sedation and local anesthesia with success rates, morbidity, and mortality as good as or better than those of surgery. Complications are rare and mostly refer to pain and catheter dislodgement. Owing to the minimally invasive nature and the availability of computed tomography (CT) guidance, percutaneous drainage procedures have become an indispensable tool in successful management of the patient with infected fluid collections even in anastomotic leaks and fistulas. Repeated drainage using a percutaneous approach in recurrent abscess is warranted before open surgery is considered. In combination with surgery, the extent of subsequent surgery is reduced, and one-stage procedures become possible. Close follow-up of the patient with ongoing communication and consultation with the referring physicians is necessary to ensure satisfactory outcome. Imaging follow-up is required to control or adjust catheter position, to prove resolution of abscess formation, or to make an early decision on whether to convert to surgery in unsuccessful cases.