An intra-abdominal abscess is a collection of pus that develops inside the abdominal cavity. It can be caused by a ruptured appendix or intestinal diverticulum, inflammatory bowel disease, or intestinal parasite infection. Risk factors include a history of appendicitis, diverticulitis, or abdominal surgery. Symptoms include abdominal pain, distention, fever, nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis involves blood tests, CT scan, and sometimes ultrasound or surgery to confirm and locate the abscess. Treatment requires antibiotics and drainage of the abscess by needle or surgery. With drainage and antibiotics, the outlook is generally good, but complications can include return of the abscess or spread of the infection.
An intra-abdominal abscess is a collection of pus that develops inside the abdominal cavity. It can be caused by a ruptured appendix or intestinal diverticulum, inflammatory bowel disease, or intestinal parasite infection. Risk factors include a history of appendicitis, diverticulitis, or abdominal surgery. Symptoms include abdominal pain, distention, fever, nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis involves blood tests, CT scan, and sometimes ultrasound or surgery to confirm and locate the abscess. Treatment requires antibiotics and drainage of the abscess by needle or surgery. With drainage and antibiotics, the outlook is generally good, but complications can include return of the abscess or spread of the infection.
An intra-abdominal abscess is a collection of pus that develops inside the abdominal cavity. It can be caused by a ruptured appendix or intestinal diverticulum, inflammatory bowel disease, or intestinal parasite infection. Risk factors include a history of appendicitis, diverticulitis, or abdominal surgery. Symptoms include abdominal pain, distention, fever, nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis involves blood tests, CT scan, and sometimes ultrasound or surgery to confirm and locate the abscess. Treatment requires antibiotics and drainage of the abscess by needle or surgery. With drainage and antibiotics, the outlook is generally good, but complications can include return of the abscess or spread of the infection.
An intra-abdominal abscess can be caused by a ruptured appendix, ruptured intestinal diverticulum,
inflammatory bowel disease, parasite infection in the intestines ( Entamoeba histolytica ), or other condition. Risk factors include a history of appendicitis, diverticulitis, perforated ulcer disease, or any surgery that may have infected the abdominal cavity. Back to TopSymptoms Depending on the location, symptoms may include: Abdominal pain and distention Chills Diarrhea Fever Lack of appetite Nausea Rectal tenderness and fullness Vomiting Weakness Back to TopExams and Tests A complete blood count may show a higher than normal white blood count. A comprehensive metabolic panel may show liver, kidney, or blood chemistry problems. A CT scan of the abdomen will usually reveal an intra-abdominal abscess. After the CT scan is done, a needle may be placed through the skin into the abscess cavity to confirm the diagnosis and treat the abscess. Other tests may include: Abdominal x-ray Ultrasound of the abdomen Sometimes surgery called a laparotomy may be needed to diagnose this condition. Back to TopTreatment Treatment of an intra-abdominal abscess requires antibiotics (given by an IV) and drainage. Drainage involves placing a needle through the skin in the abscess, usually under x-ray guidance. The drain is then left in place for days or weeks until the abscess goes away. Occasionally, abscesses cannot be safely drained this way. In such cases, surgery must be done while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). A cut is made in the belly area (abdomen), and the abscess is drained and cleaned. A drain is left in the abscess cavity, and remains in place until the infection goes away. It is always important to identify and treat the cause of the abscess. Back to TopOutlook (Prognosis) The outlook depends on the original cause of the abscess and how bad the infection is. Generally, drainage is successful in treating intra-abdominal abscesses that have not spread. Back to TopPossible Complications Complications include: Return of the abscess Rupture of an abscess Spread of the infection to the bloodstream Widespread infection in the abdomen Back to TopWhen to Contact a Medical Professional Call your doctor if you have severe abdominal pain, fevers, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits. Back to TopReferences Minei JP, Champine JG. Abdominal abscesses and gastrointestinal fistulas. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtrans Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 26. Prather C. Inflammatory and anatomic diseases of the intestine, peritoneum, mesentery, and omentum. In Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 144.
The Ideal Ulcerative Colitis Cookbook; The Superb Diet Guide To Relieving Symptoms And Preventing Complications Of Ulcerative Colitis, IBD, And Crohn's Disease With Nutritious Low-Fiber Recipes