Delayed recurrence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess: an unusual case and review of the literature.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Although intra-abdominal abscess is one of the major complications of abdominal surgery, the literature documents only a few cases of recurrence after a long asymptomatic period.

METHODS:

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS:

A 66-year-old woman developed a primary subphrenic abscess secondary to anastomotic leakage after total gastrectomy. Percutaneous drainage succeeded in evacuating the abscess cavity, and broad-spectrum antibiotics apparently eradicated the infection. However, a recurrent subphrenic abscess appeared eight years later with no intervening signs or symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:

The unexpected outcome in this case may call into question the appropriate follow-up period after treatment for subphrenic abscess. Our experience indicates that clinicians should be aware of the possibility of rare delayed recurrence of intra-abdominal abscess.

• Authors: Hiroyuki Tomita, Shinji Osada, Kiichi Miya, Masayuki Matsuo
• Journal: Surgical infections (Surg Infect (Larchmt)) Vol. 7 Issue 6 Pg. 551-4 (Dec 2006) ISSN: 1096-2964 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17233573 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Aged
• Citrobacter freundii (isolation & purification)
• Enterobacteriaceae Infections (diagnostic imaging, microbiology)
• Female
• Gastrectomy (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Recurrence
• Subphrenic Abscess (diagnostic imaging, microbiology)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed