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Information ⬇

[Section Outline]

Intraabdominal abscesses are generally diagnosed through radiographic studies, of which abdominal CT is typically most useful.

Intraperitoneal Abscesses !!navigator!!

  • Epidemiology: Of intraabdominal abscesses, 74% are IP or retroperitoneal, not visceral.
  • Pathogenesis: Most IP abscesses arise from colonic sources. Abscesses develop in untreated peritonitis as an extension of the disease process and represent host defense activity aimed at containing the infection.
  • Microbiology: Infection is typically polymicrobial; the most frequently isolated anaerobe is Bacteroides fragilis.
TREATMENT

Intraperitoneal Abscesses

  • Antimicrobial therapy is adjunctive to drainage and/or surgical correction of an underlying lesion or process.
    • Diverticular abscesses usually wall off locally, and surgical intervention is not routinely needed.
    • Antimicrobial agents with activity against gram-negative bacilli and anaerobic organisms are indicated (see “Secondary Peritonitis Intraabdominal Infections,” above). With adequate source control, antibiotic treatment may be limited to 4 or 5 days.

Outline ⬆

Section 7. Infectious Diseases