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Intra-Abdominal Abscess

How to Say It: In-tra Ab-dawm-in-ul Ab-sess

by Amy Scholten, MPH

• Definition • Causes • Risk Factors • Symptoms • Diagnosis • Treatment • Prevention
En Español (Spanish Version)
 

Definition

An abscess is a pocket of pus or infected fluid. An intra-abdominal abscess is found in the belly. It may be near the liver, intestines, or other organs. Early treatment can improve outcomes.

Abdominal Organs, Anterior View

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

 

Causes    TOP

An abscess forms because of an infection. Dead germs and damaged tissue form into pus.

The pus will create a pocket in the area around it. It will continue to grow if the infection is still present.

 

Risk Factors    TOP

Things that raise the risk of intra-abdominal abscess may be:

  • Certain conditions that affect the belly areas, such as:
    • Appendicitis, peritonitis, or diverticulitis
    • Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Recent surgery or injury to the belly or bowel
 

Symptoms    TOP

Symptoms may be:

  • Fever
  • Belly, chest, or shoulder pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loose stools (poop)
  • Lack of hunger
  • Weight loss without trying
 

Diagnosis    TOP

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

An infection may be suspected based on symptoms. The doctor may feel the abscess during an exam. Blood tests may also be done. They can show signs of infection.

Images may be needed to look for an abscess. Options include:

  • CT scan
  • Ultrasound
  • X-rays
 

Treatment    TOP

The goal is to treat the infection and stop it from spreading. Antibiotics may be given by mouth or IV.

Fluid and pus from the abscess may also need to be removed. This may help speed healing. Abscesses may be drained with:

  • Percutaneous drain—A small tube is inserted into the abscess. Pus can then drain out of the body. A needle may be able to remove fluid from smaller abscesses.
  • Surgical drainage—may be needed for larger abscesses or those in hard to reach spots. The area will be opened. The infected tissue and fluid are removed.

IV fluids or nutrition help may be given if there is nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

 

Prevention    TOP

There are no known guidelines for preventing an intra-abdominal abscess.

RESOURCES:

American College of Surgeons
https://www.facs.org

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://www.familydoctor.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca

REFERENCES:

Collins G, Allaway MGR, et al. Non-operative management of small post-appendicectomy intra-abdominal abscess is safe and effective. ANZ J Surg. 2020;90(10):1979-1983.

Intra-abdominal abscess. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/intraabdominal-abscess. Accessed August 9, 2021.

Intra-abdominal abscesses. Merck Manual Professional Manual website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/acute-abdomen-and-surgical-gastroenterology/intra-abdominal-abscesses. Accessed August 9, 2021.

Surgical management of Crohn disease in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/surgical-management-of-crohn-disease-in-adults. Accessed August 8, 2021.



Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Dan Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated: 8/9/2021

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