Intra-abdominal abscess

Alternative names

Definition

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Intra-abdominal abscesses can be caused by a ruptured appendix, ruptured diverticula , intestinal parasitism (entamoeba histolytica), and other conditions.

Risk factors for intra-abdominal abscesses include any history of intra-abdominal infectious processes, including appendicitis, diverticulitis, perforated ulcer disease, or any operation that involves contamination of the abdominal cavity, foreign bodies and necrotic tissue.

Symptoms

Depending on the location, patients with intra-abdominal abscess may have fever and chills, abdominal pain and distention, weakness, anorexia (lack of appetite), nausea, and occasionally vomiting, rectal tenderness and fullness, and/or diarrhea.

Signs and tests

The white blood cell count may be elevated on a complete blood count test. A CT scan of the abdomen will usually reveal an intra-abdominal abscess. Liver function tests, abdominal x-ray, and sonogram may also be helpful.

Sometimes laparotomy (opening of the abdomen, which is done under general anesthesia) maybe necessary for diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of an intra-abdominal abscess requires intravenous antibiotic therapy and drainage. Drainage involves placing a needle through the skin in the abscess cavity, usually under radiological (X-ray) guidance. The drain is then left in place for days or weeks until the abscess resolves.

Occasionally, abscesses cannot be safely accessed this way. In such cases, an operation is necessary. An incision is made in the abdomen under general anesthesia (the patient is unconscious and pain-free). The abscess cavity is drained and washed. A drain is left in the abscess cavity, which remains in place until the infection resolves.

Whatever the drainage approach, it is important to identify and address the underlying condition that caused the abscess.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outlook depends on the original cause of the abscess and the degree of infection present. Generally, drainage is successful in treating localized intra-abdominal abscesses.

Complications

Complications include recurrent abscesses, spontaneous rupture of an abscess, and occasionally, spread of the infection to the blood stream and widespread infection.

Calling your health care provider

Call your physician for any severe abdominal pain, fevers, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits.

Update Date: 11/19/2002