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Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
[Postappendectomy abscess--the role of fecoliths]
Swiss Surgery = Schweizer Chirurgie = Chirurgie Suisse = Chirurgia Svizzera
|October 27, 2001
Summary
A overlooked fecalith (hardened stool) after perforated appendicitis surgery can cause serious intraabdominal abscesses. Prompt imaging and surgical removal of the fecalith are essential for patient healing.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Context:
- Intraabdominal abscesses are common after perforated appendicitis.
- Appendiceal fecaliths increase the risk of perforation and abscess formation.
Purpose:
- To highlight the rare but significant complication of overlooked fecaliths causing intraabdominal abscesses post-appendectomy.
- To emphasize the diagnostic and therapeutic importance of identifying fecaliths in such cases.
Summary:
- Four pediatric patients with perforated appendicitis developed intraabdominal abscesses due to initially overlooked fecaliths.
- Abscesses appeared 14 days to 17 months post-operation.
- Surgical fecalith extraction, abscess drainage, and antibiotics led to complete recovery.
Impact:
- Undiagnosed fecaliths are a rare cause of post-appendectomy intraabdominal abscesses.
- Radiological investigation (plain X-ray, ultrasound) for fecaliths is crucial in patients with post-appendectomy abscesses.
- Surgical removal of intraabdominal fecaliths ensures definitive healing.
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