Retroperitoneal abscess: 7-year experience of 29 cases in a tertiary care center in Taiwan

ObjectiveRetroperitoneal abscess is a rare condition with an insidious onset and difficult diagnosis. It can occur from various origins. To analyze our experiences, we conducted a case series study of retroperitoneal abscess cases in our hospital.Materials and methodsTwenty-nine patients in whom retroperitoneal abscesses were diagnosed at our hospital were reviewed from January 2007 to January 2014 for the purpose of analyzing the presenting symptoms, diagnostic tools, microbiology, treatment methods, and mortality.ResultsOf the 29 patients reviewed, a genitourinary origin was the most common source and accounted for 51.7% of the patients, and perinephric abscess was the main type of abscess. Diabetes mellitus, previous surgery, and an immunocompromised condition were common factors. The common clinical manifestations were fever (65.5%), back pain (37.9%), and abdominal pain (20.7%). Escherichia coli was the most prevalent pathogen (31.3%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (25%). A polymicrobial pathogen accounted for 13.8% of infections. An anaerobic pathogen was only found in one case of gastrointestinal origin. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were found to be accurate diagnostic tools with sensitivities of 88.5% and 100%, respectively. Percutaneous drainage was commonly performed for abscesses of genitourinary origin, whereas surgical drainage was preferred in abscesses of gastrointestinal origin. The overall mortality rate was 3.4%, with one death reported.ConclusionRetroperitoneal abscesses exhibit an insignificant clinical manifestation and varied origin. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were shown to be reliable tools for early diagnosis. K. pneumoniae was found to be a prevalent pathogen in the Taiwanese patients, especially in cases of perinephric abscess. The treatment methods for retroperitoneal abscess varied according to the origin and presentation.     

非特异性肾周围炎及肾周围脓肿诊治分析（附20例报告）

目的：报道我院近五年来收治的20例肾周围炎及肾周围脓肿病例,并对其诊断和治疗作出分析。方法：回顾性分析了自2005年1月～2010年8月期间住院的20例肾周围炎及肾周围脓肿患者的病例资料。收集分析的资料包括：临床症状及体征、合并症、影像学检查、实验室检查、细菌培养、治疗及预后。结果：20例病例中,肾周围炎5例,肾周围脓肿15例。最主要的临床表现是腰腹部疼痛、发热、腰腹部肿块,分别为16例（80％）、12例（60％）、5例（25％）。另外少见临床表现有血尿3例（15％）、尿频尿急尿痛2例（10％）、恶心呕吐腹胀1例（5％）。合并症可见糖尿病、泌尿系结石、慢性肾盂肾炎、输尿管移行细胞癌、腹膜后纤维化及肾盂输尿管连接部狭窄,分别为5例（25％）、5例（25％）、7例（35％）、1例（5％）、1例（5％）、1例（5％）。有7例患者做血、尿、脓培养,其中5例阳性（71．4％）,致病菌主要为：大肠埃希菌、肺炎克雷白杆菌、变形杆菌,混合感染为2例（28．6％）。在所有患者中,单纯抗生素治疗者5例（25％）,B超引导下穿刺引流者6例（30％）（4例复发需再次手术,其中3例行切开引流,1例肾切除）,开放切开引流者5例（25％）,行。肾切除者4例（20％）。19例患者痊愈出院,1例患者形成窦道,迁延不逾,无死亡病例。结论：随着B超、CT等影像学技术的进步和普及,肾周围炎及肾周围脓肿的诊断和治疗已有较大的改善,尽早行彻底引流及有力的抗生素治疗是疾病痊愈的关键。     

Percutaneous treatment of retroperitoneal abscesses

The retroperitoneal abscess is an uncommon disease, that must be treated by drainage. The progressive use of the percutaneous drainage, under ultrasound or computed tomography guidance (CT), has changed the therapeutical management and has demonstrated to be a valid alternative to surgical drainage. From 1986 to 1998, 16 patients with retroperitoneal abscesses were treated by percutaneous drainage (14 with CT and 2 with ultrasound guidance). This method eradicated the abscess in 13 cases, in 2 was necessary a new function to cure the abscess, and 1 patient, with a severe sepsis, died. Percutaneous drainage was the unique treatment used in 12 patients. In the remaining four, the patients' clinical status improved after percutaneous drainage, and they were able to undergo subsequent elective nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous drainage of retroperitoneal abscesses has been established as a viable alternative to surgical intervention. This method can resolve the abscess or improve the patient' clinical status to undergo elective surgery.     

Psoasabszesse

BACKGROUND: A psoas abscess is a rarely encountered entity with various etiologies and nonspecific clinical presentation, frequently resulting in delayed diagnosis, increased morbidity, and prolonged or recurrent hospitalization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and January 2002 we treated ten patients (approximately 54.8, 5 males,5 females). These cases were analyzed retrospectively relative to a review of the literature. RESULTS: CT scanning was decisive in the final diagnosis of psoas abscess. Primary psoas abscess occurred in four cases and six patients had secondary abscesses. In all except one case, the psoas abscess was located on the right side. The causes of primary abscesses were retroperitoneal perforated appendicitis, paravertebral injections for lumboischialgia, Pott's disease, and repeated intravenous drug application in the groin. Five patients underwent retroperitoneal open drainage and four patients CT-guided drainage. One patient with retroperitoneal perforated appendicitis was treated by laparotomy. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides fragilis, and Escherichia coli were the most common infective agents. There was no postoperative mortality and no cases of abscess recurred. CONCLUSIONS: CT scan is a diagnostic "gold standard" for psoas abscess. CT-guided drainage is the method of first choice, but is not possible in all cases. Open retroperitoneal drainage is a standard method of treatment. Postoperative antibiotic therapy is obligatory and should be adapted individually.     

Retroperitoneal laparostomy: an effective treatment of extensive intractable retroperitoneal abscess after blunt duodenal trauma

BACKGROUND: Delay in surgical treatment and duodenal wound dehiscence are two major causes of extensive retroperitoneal abscess formation after blunt duodenal injury. This complication is traditionally treated with primary repair of the duodenal wound and drainage of the abscess through anterior laparotomy. Pyloric exclusion is sometimes added as an adjunctive procedure. The anterior approach, however, may result in inadequate drainage, and repeat surgery is sometimes needed. We reviewed our experiences and evaluated the effectiveness of retroperitoneal laparostomy for the treatment of retroperitoneal abscess with continuous soiling. METHODS: There were 52 blunt duodenal injuries during a 7-year period. Eleven patients developed extensive retroperitoneal abscesses. RESULTS: All 11 patients were treated with anterior laparotomy initially. Five patients recovered after this procedure. Six patients continued to have retroperitoneal abscesses and were under septic status. Two patients received another anterior drainage, and had recurrent abscesses later. Retroperitoneal laparostomy was performed for these six patients. After retroperitoneal laparostomy, daily wound care, and antibiotic treatment, all six patients recovered. Only two patients developed incisional hernia. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal laparostomy is effective in treating extensive intractable retroperitoneal abscess after blunt duodenal injury. Patients with the complications of duodenal leak and extensive retroperitoneal abscess should be treated with pyloric exclusion and drainage through anterior laparotomy first. If the duodenal wound does not heal after pyloric exclusion and retroperitoneal abscess persists, retroperitoneal laparostomy should be performed without further attempt to repair the wound.     

腹膜后脓肿的诊断和治疗

目的探讨腹膜后脓肿的病因,诊断和治疗。方法回顾性分析了1990-2004年诊断和治疗腹膜后脓肿33例的临床资料。结果急性坏死性胰腺炎后20例,胆囊切除胆总管探查术后4例,十二指肠损伤2例,阑尾穿孔3例,肾结石4例。超声检查确诊80%(20/25),CT检查确诊100%(22/22)。经腹部腹膜后脓肿切开置管引流25例,手术1~4次不等,后腰部切开引流8例。手术后并发应激性胃粘膜损伤致消化道出血7例,成人呼吸窘迫综合征(ARDS)5例,急性肾功能衰竭3例,死亡4例。治愈时间1~6个月,平均3.5个月。结论及时明确诊断,进行有效引流并加强营养支持是治疗成功的关键。     

Midline extraperitoneal approach for bilateral widespread retroperitoneal abscess originating from anorectal infection

IntroductionAnorectal abscess is one of the most common anorectal conditions encountered in practice. However, such abscesses may rarely extend upward and cause life-threatening medical conditions.Presentation of caseA 53-year-old woman presented with symptoms of anorectal abscess and evidence of severe inflammatory response and acute kidney injury. Computed tomography revealed a widespread abscess extending to the bilateral retroperitoneal spaces. Surgical drainage was performed via a totally extraperitoneal approach through a lower midline abdominal incision, and the patient had a rapid and uncomplicated recovery.DiscussionAlthough retroperitoneal abscesses originating from the anorectal region are rare, they are life-threating events that require immediate treatment. Percutaneous abscess drainage has been recently evolved; however, surgical drainage is required sometimes that may be challenging, particularly in the case of widespread abscesses, as in our case.ConclusionThe midline extraperitoneal approach reported here might be an effective surgical option for patients with bilateral widespread retroperitoneal abscesses.     

Percutaneous management of pyogenic hepatic abscesses

Twelve patients (9 men, 3 women) with a mean age of 65 (54-78) years, with pyogenic hepatic abscesses were managed by percutaneous drainage between 1979 and 1987. Biliary origin was most common (4 patients), followed by hepatic abscesses as a late postoperative complication (seen in 3 patients) and hepatic abscesses occurring in association with acute appendicitis (2 patients). The origin was unknown in 3 patients. Diagnosis was reached by computed tomography or ultrasonography with a diagnostic delay of in mean 11 days. Seventeen abscesses were found among the 12 patients. The median abscess size (maximal diameter) was 7 (1-12) cm. Nine patients were treated with percutaneous drainage with an indwelling catheter within the abscess cavity for up to 3 weeks, while 3 patients were managed with percutaneous puncture and aspiration alone. The most commonly isolated organism from the drained hepatic abscess was E. coli. The course following percutaneous treatment was uneventful, without mortality and recurrence of the hepatic abscess during follow-up. One patient required surgical drainage of an additional hepatic abscess. Percutaneous drainage of hepatic abscesses, independent of origin, thus seems as a safe and reliable method, which should be considered as the treatment of choice if facilities and knowledge of percutaneous management are provided.     

CT-Guided transgluteal approach for percutaneous drainage of pelvic abscesses: results in 21 patients

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous drainage of pelvic abscesses may be challenging using a conventional anterior route because of overlying intestinal or vascular structures. Although, the posterior transgluteal route is not commonly performed, it may provide a safer approach when the conventional anterior route is not feasible. We retrospectively analyzed our experience in transgluteal percutaneous drainage of pelvic abscesses in 21 patients to determine the feasibility, safety, tolerance and efficacy of this technique. METHODS: The data of 21 patients with pelvic abscesses (15 postoperative and 6 secondary to diverticulitis) who were treated by CT-guided percutaneous transgluteal drainage between 1992 and 2002 were reviewed. Transgluteal drainage was considered as failure in case of persisting clinical sepsis, recurrence of abscess or when surgery was needed. RESULTS: The procedure was well tolerated in all patients. No major complication was observed. In one patient mild hematoma of the piriform muscle was noticed on postprocedure CT scan but did not require a specific treatment. Successful drainage as documented by follow-up CT examination was observed in 20 patients (20/21; 95%). One case of recurrence which was successfully treated by repeated percutaneous transgluteal drainage was observed in our series. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous imaging-guided transgluteal drainage is a feasible, safe, well-tolerated and effective method for the treatment of pelvic abscess when a conventional anterior route is not feasible.     

Management of intersphincteric abscesses

OBJECTIVE: Intersphincteric abscesses are relatively rare, and in some cases of upward extensions in the supralevator plane, can be difficult to manage. The aim of this study was to analyse the type of treatment used in these abscesses. METHODS: Twenty-one intersphincteric abscesses treated by endoanal drainage in our colorectal unit between 1992 and 2004 were reviewed from our database; location and extension of the abscess, type of treatment and recurrence rates and the use of endoanal ultrasound were studied. RESULTS: Ninety per cent of patients were male; 10 had a previous history of surgery for perianal abscess and suppuration (48%); 16 (76%) had a posterior location and five were anterolateral. Twelve patients had low intersphincteric abscesses and were treated by laying open the abscess and dividing the internal sphincter. Nine were found to have high extensions into the intermuscular planes and were treated by staged procedures: a temporary transanal mushroom catheter was used in seven patients. Endoanal ultrasound was used initially in seven patients (33.3%) and for the evaluation of definitive treatment in 11 (52%). CONCLUSIONS: Low intersphincteric abscesses should be treated by de-roofing of the abscess and division of the internal sphincter up to a level of the dentate line. High intersphincteric abscesses are relatively frequent and mostly require staged surgery with a temporary mushroom (de Pezzer) catheter. Accurate anatomical ultrasound localization and proper drainage become important to avoid recurrences or extrasphincteric fistulas.     

Retroperitoneal Abscess Resulting from Perforated Acute Appendicitis: Analysis of Its Management and Outcome

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis may become life threatening if it is complicated by retroperitoneal abscess. To the best of our knowledge, only case reports have been documented; thus, we analyzed the published experiences and reviewed this issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In addition to two patients treated at our institution, a PubMed search identified 22 cases of acute appendicitis, complicated by retroperitoneal abscess, reported by 18 authors between 1955 and 2005. The patients' characteristics, onset of symptoms, timing and methods of diagnosis and management, and outcome are reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Most of the patients were adults (21/24, 87.5%), of whom seven were older than 65 years. None of the patients presented with the classical symptoms of acute appendicitis at the onset of the disease, and less than half (9/24) reported abdominal pain. The average interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 16 days, and the most effective diagnostic tool was computed tomography. Pathogens were usually polymicrobial, and appendectomy followed by adequate drainage of the abscess was the best treatment. The mortality rate was 16.7% (4/24), and all deaths were caused by profound sepsis. According to the available data, the average hospital stay was 27.3 days for the survivors. CONCLUSION: The formation of complicated retroperitoneal abscesses involving thigh, psoas muscle, perinephric space, or even the lateral abdominal wall is a serious complication of perforated acute appendicitis. An intra-abdominal pathological abnormality cannot be excluded in a patient presenting without abdominal symptoms. The mortality rate can only be reduced by a high index of suspicion, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.     

肾周脓肿25例的诊断与治疗

目的：提高肾周脓肿的诊断与治疗水平。方法：回顾性分析25例肾周脓肿患者的临床资料。结果：25例患者明确诊断为肾周脓肿，72％患者尿培养阳性，CT确诊率92％。3例(12％)死亡。10例患者脓肿直径1.8cm，单独使用抗生素治疗平均住院10d；11例脓肿平均直径11cm，采用抗生素联合经皮穿刺引流治疗，平均住院30d；4例最后进行了外科探查和肾切除。结论：肾周脓肿临床变化特点并不典型，CT检查是目前确诊最可靠的方法，通过明确的分期以获得理想的疗效。     

Urinary tract and genito-urinary suppurative infections due to anaerobic bacteria

Anaerobes have been involved in many different types of urinary tract infection. This review describes the microbiology, diagnosis and management of urinary tract and genito-urinary suppurative infections caused by anaerobic bacteria. The types of infections of the urinary tract in which anaerobes have been involved include para- or periurethral cellulitis or abscess, acute and chronic urethritis, cystitis, acute and chronic prostatitis, prostatic and scrotal abscesses, periprostatic phlegmon, ureteritis, periureteritis, pyelitis, pyelonephritis, renal abscess, scrotal gangrene, metastatic renal infection pyonephrosis, perinephric abscess, retroperitoneal abscess and other infections. The anaerobes recovered in these studies were Gram-negative bacilli (including Bacteroides fragilis and pigmented Prevotella and Porphyromonas sp.), Clostridium sp., anaerobic Gram-positive cocci and Actinomyces sp. In many cases, they were recovered mixed with coliforms or streptococci. The recovery of anaerobes requires the administration of antimicrobial therapy that is effective against these organisms. These antimicrobials include metronidazole, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, a carbapenem, cefoxitin and the combination of a penicillin and a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Percutaneous drainage, open surgical drainage or nephectomy might be indicated for abscesses.     

克罗恩病并发腹腔脓肿的临床特征与外科治疗

目的探讨克罗恩病(CD)合并腹腔脓肿的临床特征和外科治疗及预后。方法对2000-2005年间收治的142例CD患者其中合并腹腔脓肿的39例临床资料进行总结分析。结果本组CD患者合并腹腔脓肿的总发病率为27.5%,从发病到脓肿形成的时间范围为0-22年,平均5年。发病年龄(34.7±12.3)岁。24例(61.5%)患者既往有手术史;30例(76.9%)患者的脓肿发生在右侧腹,尤其是在吻合口附近(48.7%)。36例(92.3%)采取手术治疗,其中34例(34/36,94.4%)行手术引流加病变肠管切除,恢复良好。结论CD有较高的腹腔脓肿并发率,发病年龄多在35岁,将近50%发生在原吻合口;脓肿前的CD病程平均5年;手术方式以脓肿引流加病变肠管切除为主。     

单发及多发细菌性肝脓肿临床资料的对比分析

摘要：目的:探讨单发及多发肝脓肿的临床特点及诊治方法。方法:回顾性分析近25年间收治的148例细菌性肝脓肿患者的临床资料，按单发及多发性肝脓肿分组，比较两组临床特征、治疗方法及预后。结果:胆源性在多发性肝脓肿组的比例明显高于单发组（P=0.018），平均年龄、就诊时间及住院天数多发性肝脓肿组也明显高于单发组(P=0.023,0.043，0.015)。多发性肝脓肿患者的碱性磷酸酶水平较高（P=0.021）， 血清白（清）蛋白水平较低（P=0.039）。单发肝脓肿最常见部位在肝右叶(P=0.002)，而多发性肝脓肿更易累及左右两叶(P<0.001)。大肠杆菌是两种肝脓肿最常见的致病菌。单纯抗生素治疗多用于多发脓肿的患者（P=0.022），经皮穿刺置管引流则多用于单发性肝脓肿（P=0.021）。多发性肝脓肿患者发生急性呼吸窘迫综合征（ARDS）的比例较高（P=0.03）。肝脓肿相关的病死率在多发性肝脓肿患者中明显为高（P=0.025）。结论:与单发性肝脓肿相比，多发性肝脓肿病例具有年龄较大、症状持续时间较长、常合并胆道疾病、脓肿多侵及肝脏两叶、容易发生ARDS和病死率较高的特点，治疗多采用手术和/或单纯抗生素治疗。     

Multiloculated pyogenic brain abscess: experience in 25 patients

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in treating multiloculated pyogenic brain abscess and determine whether there are differences in the bacteriology, predisposing factors, treatment choices, and outcomes between multiloculated and uniloculated brain abscesses. METHODS: We studied clinical data collected during a 16-year period from 124 patients with pyogenic brain abscess, including 25 cases of multiloculated abscess. RESULTS: The incidence of multiloculated brain abscess was 20%. In these 25 patients, hematogenous spread from a remote infectious focus was the most common cause of infection, as it was for the cases of uniloculated abscess. Headache and hemiparesis were the most common symptoms in patients with multiloculated abscess. In patients with uniloculated abscess, fever was the most common symptom. Viridans streptococci were the most commonly isolated pathogens. Bacteroides fragilis was the most common anaerobe in multiloculated abscess, and aerobic gram-negative bacilli were the most common pathogens in patients with uniloculated abscess. Of the patients with multiloculated abscess, 21 were treated surgically and 4 were treated with antibiotics only. Overall, eight patients (38%) needed another operation because of abscess recurrence after the initial operation. In uniloculated abscess, the rate of abscess recurrence after initial surgery was 13.1%. Mortality was 16% in multiloculated abscess and 17.1% in uniloculated abscess. CONCLUSION: Multiloculated abscesses accounted for 20% of our patients with pyogenic brain abscess. Excision seems to be the more appropriate surgical choice in multiloculated abscess. Prognosis for patients with multiloculated abscess can be as good as that for patients with uniloculated abscess. However, clinicians must carefully monitor these patients because the possibility of recurrence after surgery is significantly higher in patients with multiloculated abscess than in those with uniloculated abscess.     

Determinants for successful percutaneous image-guided drainage of intra-abdominal abscess

HYPOTHESIS: Characteristics of intra-abdominal abscess can be used to predict successful outcome for percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD). METHODS: We performed a multicenter prospective study of patients who had intra-abdominal infections treated with PCD and intravenous antibiotics. Multivariate regression analysis determined predictors of successful outcome. RESULTS: The study included 96 patients (59% men; mean +/- SD age, 48 +/- 17 years; mean +/- SD Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, 7.4 +/- 4.9). Postoperative abscess was present in 53% of patients. Isolated microorganisms included Bacteroides species (17%), Escherichia coli (17%), Streptococcus species (14%), Enterococcus species (10%), and fungi (11%). Single abscesses were present in 83% of patients. Computed tomographic guidance was used for drainage in 80% of patients, and ultrasound was used in 20%. The duration of abscess drainage was less than 14 days in 64%. Complete resolution of the infection with a single treatment of PCD was achieved in 67 patients (70%), and with a second attempt in 12 (12%). Thirty-three patients (34%) had PCD for the resolution of intra-abdominal sepsis prior to an elective, definitive procedure. Open drainage as a result of PCD failure was required in 15 (16%) and was more likely in patients with yeast (P<.001) or a pancreatic process (P =.02). Postoperative abscess (P =.04) was an independent predictor of successful outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous catheter drainage of intra-abdominal infections was effective with a single treatment in 70% of patients and increased to 82% with a second attempt. A successful outcome is most likely with abscesses that are postoperative, not pancreatic, and not infected with yeast. Percutaneous catheter drainage is now a commonly used staging method for the resolution of intra-abdominal sepsis prior to corrective operation.     

Percutaneous catheter versus open surgical drainage in the treatment of abdominal abscesses

In the past 3 years, percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) was performed for 24 abdominal and retroperitoneal abscesses while open surgical drainage (OSD) was used for treatment of 24 similar abscesses at the affiliated hospitals of UMDNJ-Rutgers Medical School. Although the method of treatment was arbitrarily selected by the attending physician, the two groups were similar with respect to abscess location, underlying illnesses, and previous operations. In the PCD group, 17 of 24 abscesses developed after operations versus 16 of 24 in the OSD group. Location of abscesses were: PCD group: abdominal (9), renal (5), pelvic (4), subphrenic (3), hepatic (2), pancreatic (1); OSD group: abdominal (10), renal (4), subphrenic (4), pelvic (3), hepatic (2), pancreatic (1). With PCD, the abscesses were localized by ultrasound or computerized tomography scan; a 20- or 22-gauge needle passed into the cavity, followed by progressively larger guide wires, dilators, and catheters; the pus evacuated; and abscess cavity thoroughly irrigated with sterile saline. Percutaneous catheter drainage was successful in 22 of 24 cases. There were two inconsequential complications. The mean post-PCD hospital stay was 11.7 days. With OSD, five patients developed major complications, including three deaths from sepsis. The mean post-OSD stay for surviving patients was 21.2 days. The advantages of PCD versus OSD are: 1) precise noninvasive localization of abscesses, 2) avoidance of general anesthesia, 3) avoidance of major complications, and 4) shorter postdrainage hospital stay. Open surgical drainage should be reserved for cases where PCD fails to control sepsis, close fistulae, or when noninvasive scanning either fails to demonstrate a discrete abscess in the face of intra-abdominal sepsis or identifies an abscess that cannot be percutaneously drained without traversing the bowel.     

Pyogenic liver abscess. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

A retrospective review of 26 adult patients admitted to University of California, Davis, Medical Center (UCDMC) with pyogenic liver abscess (1980-1986) was performed to ascertain the impact of rapid diagnosis and percutaneous drainage. Ultrasonographic examinations and computed tomography (CT) scans were highly sensitive and noninvasive imaging modalities. Sixteen patients had solitary abscesses and seven had multiple microscopic abscesses. The median time interval from admission to diagnosis and therapy was 2 and 3 days, respectively. Origin of the abscess was determined in 22 patients, the biliary tree being the most common source. Medical therapy was successful in three patients with microabscesses but failed in two. Nine patients had percutaneous drainage; two required repetitive percutaneous catheter placement, and two proceeded to surgical drainage. Twelve patients had surgical drainage; one required repetitive surgical drainage. Postdrainage complications were minimal in all groups. Overall mortality role was 11.5% (two patients). Deaths were related to delay in diagnosis, gram-negative sepsis at presentation, and biliary origin of the abscess.     

Renal and Perinephric Abscesses: Analysis of 65 Consecutive Cases

Objective The objective was to describe the last 10 years’ experience of the diagnosis and treatment of renal, perinephric, and mixed abscesses in an academic reference center. Patients and Methods The medical records of 65 patients with renal, perinephric, and mixed abscesses treated at our hospital from January 1992 to December 2002 were reviewed. The data collected included predisposing factors, symptoms, physical examination, initial diagnosis, laboratory and radiologic evaluation, treatment, and clinical outcome. Results Perinephric abscesses were found in 33 (50.8%) patients, renal abscesses were found in 16 (24.6%), and 16 (24.6%) had mixed abscesses. Urolithiasis (28%) and diabetes mellitus (28%) were the most common predisposing conditions. The duration of symptoms before hospital admission ranged from 2 to 180 days (mean 20 days). Urine culture was positive in 43% of patients and blood culture was positive in 40% of patients. Most of the perinephric abscesses received an interventional treatment: surgical drainage (24%), percutaneous drainage (42%) or nephrectomy (24%). Most patients were cured (73.3%) on discharge from hospital. Mixed (renal and perinephric) abscess treatment was similar: percutaneous drainage (37.5%), surgical drainage (18.75%) or nephrectomy (37.5%). Most patients were cured (60%) on discharge from hospital. Renal abscesses, however, were treated medically in 69% of patients and 73% were cured on discharge from hospital. Conclusions Perinephric and mixed abscesses are successfully managed by interventional treatment. Renal abscesses can be managed by medical treatment only, reserving interventional treatment for large collections or patients with clinical impairment. Early diagnosis is an important factor in the outcome of renal and perinephric abscesses.