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Causes

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.

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