The long-term results of percutaneous drainage of diverticular abscess

INTRODUCTION

Diverticulitis is a common condition occasionally complicated by abscess formation. Small abscesses may be managed by antibiotic therapy alone but larger collections require drainage, ideally by the percutaneous route. This minimally invasive approach is appealing but there is little information regarding the long-term follow-up of patients managed in this way. To address this question, we looked at a consecutive series of patients who underwent percutaneous drainage in our institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed of patients undergoing percutaneous drainage of a diverticular abscess from 1999–2007.

RESULTS

A total of 26 abscesses were identified in 16 patients. In 69% of cases, the abscess was located in the pelvis. The mean size of the abscesses was 8.5 ± 0.9 cm. Drainage was performed under CT (83%) or ultrasound guidance. The mean duration of drainage was 8 days. Fistula formation following drainage occurred in 38% of cases. Eight patients (mean age, 71 years) underwent subsequent surgical resection 9 days to 22 months (mean, 7 months) following initial presentation. Eight patients with significant co-morbid conditions were managed by percutaneous drainage only. The 1-year mortality was 20% and resulted from unrelated causes. The long-term stoma rate was 13%.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous drainage can safely be performed in patients with a diverticular abscess. It can be used as a bridge before definitive surgery but also as a treatment option in its own right in high-risk surgical patients. We believe percutaneous drainage reduces the need for major surgery and reduces the risk of a permanent stoma.     

Idiopathic thyroid abscess

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid abscesses are uncommon because the gland is relatively resistant to developing infection due to its rich blood supply, well-developed capsule and high iodine content. However, clinicians must be aware of this differential to make an early diagnosis.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present the case of a patient who required urgent operative resection as definitive treatment for a thyroid abscess secondary to infection with Staphylococcus aureus.

DISCUSSION

Although this is rare, a thyroid abscess left untreated can lead to serious morbidity. Therefore, clinicians must be aware of the presenting features and therapeutic options.

CONCLUSION

Thyroid abscess is an uncommon diagnosis but can lead to significant morbidity. Therefore clinicians must be aware of the diagnosis in order to institute early aggressive management.     

Laparoscopic Drainage of Pyogenic Liver Abscess

Background and Objectives:

Pyogenic liver abscesses are mainly treated by percutaneous aspiration or drainage under antibiotic cover. If interventional radiology fails, surgical drainage becomes necessary. Recently, we performed laparoscopic liver abscess drainage successfully, and we aimed to focus on the topic in light of a systematic review of the literature.

Methods:

A 22-year-old man was admitted with a 4.5-cm multiloculated abscess in the left lobe of the liver. The abscess did not resolve with antibiotic-alone therapy. Percutaneous aspiration was unsuccessful due to viscous and multiloculated contents. Percutaneous catheter placement was not amenable. Laparoscopic abscess drainage was preferred over open abscess drainage. We used 3 trocars, operation time was 40 minutes, and blood loss was minimal. In the mean time, we searched PubMed using the key words [(liver OR hepatic) abscess*] AND [laparoscop* OR (minimal* AND invasiv*)].

Results:

Postoperative recovery of the patient was uneventful, and the patient was asymptomatic after 3 months of follow-up. In the literature search, we found 53 liver abscesses (51 pyogenic and 2 amebic) that were treated by laparoscopy. Mean success rate was 90.5% (range, 85% to 100%) and conversion rate was zero.

Conclusion:

Treatment of liver abscess is mainly percutaneous drainage. Laparoscopic drainage should be selected as an alternative before open drainage when other modalities have failed.     

Open appendectomy for pediatric ruptured appendicitis: a historical clinical review of the prophylaxis of wound infection and postoperative intra-abdominal abscess

Background

We conducted a 3-decade clinical review of prophylaxis for wound infection and postoperative intra-abdominal abscess after open appendectomy for pediatric ruptured appendicitis.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of patients with ruptured appendicitis who underwent open appendectomy performed by the same pediatric surgeon at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada between 1969 and 2003, inclusive. We evaluated 3 types of prophylaxis: subcutaneous (SC) antibiotic powder, peritoneal wound drain and intravenous (IV) antibiotics. We divided the sample into 4 treatment groups: peritoneal wound drain alone (group 1); peritoneal wound drain, SC antibiotic powder and IV antibiotics (group 2); SC antibiotic powder and IV antibiotics (group 3); and IV antibiotics alone (group 4). We used the χ² test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.

Results

There were 496 patients: 348 (70%) boys and 148 (30%) girls, with a mean age of 7 (range newborn to 17) years. There were 90 (18%) wound infections. Compared with the current standard of practice, IV antibiotics alone (group 4), peritoneal wound drain (group 1) was associated with the lowest number of wound infections (7 [7%], p = 0.023). There were 43 (9%) postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses. Compared with IV antibiotics alone, SC antibiotic powder with IV antibiotics (group 3) was associated with the lowest number of postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses (14 [6%], p = 0.06).

Conclusion

Over a 35-year period of open appendectomy for pediatric ruptured appendicitis, wound infection was least frequent in patients who received prophylactic peritoneal wound drain, and postoperative intra-abdominal abscess was least frequent in those who received prophylactic SC antibiotic powder and IV antibiotics.     

Gallbaldder perforation causing a subcutaneous abscess

INTRODUCTION

This is a report of a rare case of an old woman with a large round mass in the right hypochondrium that was proven to be an abscess.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 82-year old woman with a firm round mass in the right hypochondrium was admitted for evaluation. The abdominal CT showed an abscess produced by a gallbladder perforation, and a gallstone impacted at the Hartmann''s pouch.

DISCUSSION

The abscess was treated with a transcutaneous paracentesis, while the stone passed to the gastrointestinal tract through a cholecystoenteric fistula, without causing any further problems.

CONCLUSION

Gallbaldder perforation can rarely create a subcutaneous abscess especially in thin, elder subjects. Abscess drainage is the first line of treatment.     

Case report of rare chronic myelogenous leukemia related multibacterial splenic abscess presenting with scrotal swelling

INTRODUCTION

Splenic abscesses associated with leukemia are rare. Most reported cases of splenic abscesses occur after chemotherapy and are related to the immunosuppressive effects of the chemotherapy. Their etiology is most frequently fungal.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 58-year-old male presented with splenomegaly and scrotal swelling secondary to a multibacterial splenic abscess which required a splenectomy. Upon investigation he was found to suffer from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and epididymitis.

DISCUSSION

Splenic abscesses are rarely found in leukemic patients. Reported cases are fungal and commonly occur after chemotherapy due to immunosuppression. Scrotal swelling with concurrent splenomegaly can be found in other pathologies including brucellosis, Lyme disease and even non-Hodgkin primary testicular lymphoma. Scrotal swelling in our case was likely secondary to epididymitis and exacerbated by the effects of splenomegaly upon the systemic circulation promoting venous congestion.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrated an unusual presentation of CML because the patient presented with splenomegaly, a multibacterial splenic abscess, and scrotal swelling.     

The incidence of epidural abscess following epidural analgesia in open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

INTRODUCTION

Complications of epidural catheterisation can cause significant morbidity. Epidural abscess following epidural catheterisation is rare and the reported incidence is variable. The purpose of this study was to review the incidence of epidural abscess in patients undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective case note review of all patients having open AAA repair over a 5-year period.

RESULTS

A total of 415 patients underwent open AAA repair between January 2003 and March 2008. Of these, 290 were elective procedures and 125 were for ruptured aneurysms. Six patients underwent postoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the spine for clinical suspicion of an epidural abscess. Two of these (0.48%) had confirmed epidural abscess and two superficial infection at the epidural site.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of epidural abscess following epidural analgesia in patients undergoing open AAA repair within our department was 0.48%. Although a rare complication, epidural abscess can cause significant morbidity. Epidural abscesses rarely develop before the third postoperative day.     

Laparoscopic drainage of intraabdominal abscess after appendectomy: an alternative to laparotomy in cases not amenable to percutaneous drainage

Purpose

Postoperative abscesses after appendectomy occur in 3% to 20% of cases and are more common in cases of perforated appendicitis. Smaller abscesses are often amenable to antibiotic therapy, but surgical drainage remains the mainstay of treatment for larger collections. Surgical options generally include percutaneous drainage and open laparotomy. Laparoscopic drainage of these abscesses has not been well characterized in the pediatric population.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe our experience with laparoscopic drainage of postappendectomy abscesses that were not amenable to percutaneous drainage.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of all pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis at a tertiary pediatric medical center during a 4-year period (2006-2009). The review focuses on patients who developed abscesses after appendectomy, were unable to undergo percutaneous drainage, and were treated with laparoscopic abscess drainage.

Results

Twelve patients (7 male and 5 female) underwent laparoscopic drainage of postappendectomy abscesses. The mean age was 8.5 years old (range, 3-14 years). A clinical diagnosis of postoperative abscess was made when fevers, pain, and leukocytosis persisted despite broad-spectrum antibiotics. Computed tomography was performed in all patients. Abscesses ranged between 3 and 11 cm in size. The mean length of time between initial appendectomy and drainage procedure was 10 days. There were no complications specifically related to the laparoscopic drainage procedure. The mean length of the drainage procedure was 77 minutes (range, 30-196 minutes). The mean hospital length of stay after laparoscopic drainage was 6.5 days (range, 3-13 days) with patients maintained on intravenous antibiotics until afebrile and without leukocytosis.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic drainage is a safe and effective alternative for intraabdominal abscesses that occur after laparoscopic appendectomy. We recommend it as an alternative to open laparotomy when percutaneous drainage is not an option.     

Conservative management of pelvic abscess following sacrocolpopexy: a report of three cases and review of the literature

Introduction and hypothesis

After sacrocolpopexy, intra-abdominal pelvic abscesses are often managed with intravenous antibiotics, excision of the mesh involved, and debridement of compromised tissue.

Methods and results

Three cases of successful management of pelvic abscesses after sacrocolpopexy using long-term antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses without removing the mesh are presented.

Conclusions

In selected patients who have undergone sacrocolpopexy, with careful counseling, conservative management of pelvic abscesses with percutaneous drainage and long-term antibiotic treatment without the surgical excision of the mesh may play a role.

     

Idiopathic spontaneous haemoperitoneum due to a ruptured middle colic artery aneurysm

Introduction

Idiopathic spontaneous intra-abdominal haemorrhage is a rare, but challenging condition, associated with high mortality if not managed appropriately. The preoperative diagnosis is difficult, despite the recent advances in imaging. We present the clinical manifestations of this condition, as well as the available diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

Presentation of case

We report a case of a spontaneously ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the middle colic artery, which was managed with an emergency laparotomy and aneurysmatectomy. Interestingly, no evidence of vasculitis, infection or collagen disease was discovered during the histopathology examination of the specimen.

Discussion

The treatment of idiopathic spontaneous intra-abdominal haemorrhage revolves around patient resuscitation and management of the source of bleeding. In case of a ruptured aneurysm of the middle colic artery, the surgical management includes emergency laparotomy, arterial ligation and resection of the aneurysm. Transarterial embolisation has been suggested as a safe and less invasive alternative approach.

Conclusion

A ruptured middle colic artery aneurysm should be included in the differential diagnosis of any unexplained intra-abdominal haemorrhage. Aneurysmatectomy is the treatment of choice, with radiologic interventional techniques gaining ground in the management of this entity.     

Outcome of percutaneous continuous drainage of psoas abscess: A clinically guided technique

Background:

Percutaneous aspiration of abscesses under ultrasonography (USG) and computer tomography (CT) scan has been well described. With recurrence rate reported as high as 66%. The open drainage and percutaneous continuous drainage (PCD) has reduced the recurrence rate. The disadvantage of PCD under CT is radiation hazard and problems of asepsis. Hence a technique of clinically guided percutaneous continuous drainage of the psoas abscess without real-time imaging overcomes these problems. We describe clinically guided PCD of psoas abscess and its outcome.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-nine patients with dorsolumbar spondylodiscitis without gross neural deficit with psoas abscess of size >5 cm were selected for PCD. It was done as a day care procedure under local anesthesia. Sequentially, aspiration followed by guide pin-guided trocar and catheter insertion was done without image guidance. Culture sensitivity was done and chemotherapy initiated and catheter kept till the drainage was <10 ml for 48 hours. Outcome assessment was done with relief of pain, successful abscess drainage and ODI (Oswestry Disability Index) score at 2 years.

Results:

PCD was successful in all cases. Back and radicular pain improved in all cases. Average procedure time was 24.30 minutes, drain output was 234.40 ml, and the drainage duration was 7.90 days. One patient required surgical stabilisation due to progression of the spondylodiscitis resulting in instability inspite of successful drainage of abscess. Problems with the procedure were noticed in six patients. Multiple attempts (n = 2), persistent discharge (n = 1) for 2 weeks, blocked catheter (n = 2) and catheter pull out (n = 1) occurred with no effect on the outcome. The average ODI score improved from 62.47 to 5.51 at 2 years.

Conclusions:

Clinically guided PCD is an efficient, safe and easy procedure in drainage of psoas abscess.     

Lesion mimicking perianal abscess in an immunocompromised patient: Report of a case

INTRODUCTION

Ischiorrectal tumoral masses mimicking perianal abscess and abscess from uncommon microbiological origins have previously been reported.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

Unusual perianal abscess arising from an hematoma in an elderly woman with myelodysplastic syndrome: the patient presented on the emergency with gluteal pain and fever after intramuscular injection of analgesic drug. Physical examination revealed subcutaneous thickening on gluteus and perianal region, without skin changes. Magnetic resonance reported an heterogeneous mass sized 5 cm × 12 cm × 20 cm from gluteus maximus to ischioanal fat under levator ani muscle, through sciatic notch. Debridement of an staphylococceal infected hematoma through a single left lateral gluteus incision, and primary closure was performed. Proctologic examination was normal, so any perianal incision was done. The site infection progressed, so the patient required new surgery with wet cure. The patient contracted nosocomial pneumonia and died due to sepsis.

DISCUSSION

Hematological diseases can yield infectious and bleeding disorders. Intramuscular injections often cause haematomas that can lead to pyomyositis. Pyomyositis requires early debridement and continue cure.

CONCLUSION

Intramuscular administration of drugs should be avoided in patients with thrombocytopenia. Gluteal region is connected to perianal area through the sciatic notch. Usually perianal abscess in immunocompromised patients arise from proctologic origin, but other causes may be taken into account.     

Management of open abdominal wounds with a dynamic fascial closure system

Background

In damage-control surgery, definitive abdominal closure may not be possible for several days or weeks after laparotomy until the patient has stabilized.

Methods

We present 23 patients treated with the Canica ABRA^® dynamic wound closure system that re-approximated open abdomens with silicone elastomers placed transfascially across the wound. This study aimed to assess the results of using this system and to identify risk factors for unsuccessful closure. The system maintains a medially directed force across the wound. A traditional regimen of wound dressing changes was performed.

Results

The dynamic closure system remained in place an average of 48 days and was applied an average of 18 days after the beginning of treatment for the open abdominal wound. Delayed primary fascial closure was achieved in 14 of 23 patients (61%) without further surgery. Six patients (26%) healed with ventral hernias but with a smaller abdominal defect. Two patients (9%) developed enterocutaneous fistulae through the wound that required further surgery. An overall reduction in wound area of 95% was achieved.

Conclusion

This dynamic wound closure technique permitted the delayed primary closure of open abdomens in 61% of cases when treatment was instituted an average of 18 days after initial laparotomy.     

Gastric perforation by a foreign body presenting as a pancreatic pseudotumour

INTRODUCTION

Foreign body ingestion rarely causes complications, though it can pose a significant diagnostic challenge. Perforation, particularly of more muscular viscera, can present insidiously with a wide range of differential diagnoses.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

Here we present a case of 75 year-old woman presenting with chest and epigastric pain. Initial imaging suggested a pancreatic lesion. Despite appropriate treatment she deteriorated clinically, and following urgent laparotomy a duck bone fragment was found to have perforated the lesser curvature of the stomach and embedded within the liver causing subhepatic abscess formation and associated inflammation.

DISCUSSION

There are a number of examples of insidious presentations of gastrointestinal perforation. However, we have found only one other case of a perforation presenting as a pancreatic pseudotumour, and ours is the first to have been successfully managed by removal of the foreign body and drainage of the abscess alone.

CONCLUSION

A high level of suspicion is required to make the correct diagnosis in cases such as these where the symptoms are not clear-cut. Thorough review and discussion of imaging prior to surgical treatment is essential to prevent unnecessary intervention.     

The NOTES approach to management of urinary bladder injury

Background and Objectives:

Inadvertent bladder injury is a potential complication of various urological and pelvic surgeries. Bladder injury can also be a complication of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a NOTES approach to repair bladder lacerations in a blinded porcine study.

Methods:

Intentional bladder lacerations were made to mimic accidental injury during NOTES in 7 pigs. In 3 animals, the site of bladder injury was identified and repaired by a blinded endoscopist. Bladder laceration and transluminal access sites were closed with Endoclips. Leak test was performed to confirm adequate closure. Survival animals were monitored postoperatively and surgical sites were inspected for abscess, bleeding, or damage to surrounding structures at necropsy.

Results:

Complete endoscopic closure of bladder injuries was achieved in all 7 animals with a negative leak test. The site of laceration was successfully identified by the blinded endoscopist and repaired in all 3 animals in which it was attempted. Survival animals had an uneventful postoperative course without any complications.

Conclusion:

This blinded feasibility study shows that urinary bladder injury occurring during NOTES can be successfully managed via a NOTES approach using currently available endoscopic accessories.     

Peritonsillar abscess after tonsillectomy: a review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common condition with a complicated aetiology. PTA after tonsillectomy is rare. This literature review of PTA in the absence of tonsil tissue aims to collate experience of these cases and examine the wider implications for understanding the aetiology of PTA formation.

METHODS

A structured literature review was performed using Ovid MEDLINE®. Keywords ‘quinsy’ or ‘peritonsillar abscess’ were combined with ‘tonsillectomy’.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 212 citations and the identification of 11 cases of PTA formation in the absence of tonsil tissue. The most common indication for tonsillectomy was recurrent tonsillitis or PTA. Nine patients had no interval peritonsillar infection (ie a peritonsillar infection after a tonsillectomy) prior to presenting with the PTA. The mean interval between tonsillectomy and PTA was 16 years. All patients were managed either by incision and drainage or by needle aspiration with or without antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

PTA in the absence of tonsil tissue is rare. Potential sources of infection include congenital branchial fistulas, Weber''s glands and dental disease. These alternatives should also be considered in patients presenting with PTA formation in the absence of concurrent tonsillitis and may influence management decisions.     

Spinal epidural abscess with myelitis and meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in a young child

Background

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) in children is a rare infectious emergency warranting prompt intervention. Predisposing factors include immunosuppression, spinal procedures, and local site infections such as vertebral osteomyelitis and paraspinal abscess. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common isolate.

Design

Case report and literature review.

Findings

A 2.5-year-old boy with tetraparesis was found to have an SEA in the posterior lumbar epidural space with evidence of meningitis and myelitis on MRI spine in the absence of any local or systemic predisposing factors or spinal procedures. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from the evacuated pus.

Conclusions

Definitive treatment of SEA is a combination of surgical decompression and iv antibiotics. Timely management limits the extent of neurological deficit.     

Cryosurgery for malignant tumours of the liver

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided cryosurgery to treat malignant tumours of the liver.

Design

A prospective nonrandomized trial. The follow-up was complete and ranged from 8 to 35 months.

Setting

A university-affiliated hospital.

Patients

Ten patients with secondary malignant tumours of the liver; 1 with primary hepatoma.

Interventions

Computed portography for preoperative staging; laparotomy and ultrasonographic examination of the liver; cryosurgical ablation of liver tumours with or without a concomitant resection. Thirteen procedures were performed on 11 patients.

Main Outcome Measures

Preoperative morbidity, disease-free and overall survival.

Results

Of 24 lesions frozen, the procedure on 4 lesions was considered a technical failure because of persistent disease. There were no perioperative deaths. One patient had a liver abscess that resolved with percutaneous drainage. One patient had a biliary fistula that resolved spontaneously, and one had a transient rise in the serum creatinine level. Of 11 patients treated, 7 had a recurrence in the liver (persistent disease in 2 and new liver metastases in 5); 2 of these patients died. One patient died of distant disease with no local recurrence. At the time of writing, one patient was alive with extrahepatic disease and no local recurrence and two were free of disease.

Conclusions

Cryosurgery of the liver is a relatively safe procedure that allows treatment of otherwise un-resectable malignant disease. Proof of long-term benefit requires further experience and follow-up.