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Updated: Sep 21, 2026

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
Published on: March 2, 2020
Splenic abscesses
Nadim Al-Hajjar1, Florin Graur, Aboul B Hassan
13rd Surgical Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Abstract:
Splenic abscesses are rare entities (autopsy incidence between 0.14-0.7%). The most frequent etiology is the septic emboli seeding from bacterial endocarditis (about 20% of cases) or other septic foci (typhoid fever, malaria, urinary tract infections, osteomielitis, otitis). The treatment of splenic abscesses was until recently splenectomy with antibiotherapy. The actual trends are more conservative (mini invasive or non-invasive) because the immunologic role of the spleen has been better understood over the last year
Insights
Splenic abscesses, though rare, are often caused by infections spreading from elsewhere. Modern treatment focuses on less invasive methods due to the spleen's crucial immune function.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Splenic abscesses are uncommon, with autopsy incidence ranging from 0.14-0.7%.
- Common causes include septic emboli from bacterial endocarditis (20%) or infections like typhoid fever, malaria, UTIs, osteomyelitis, and otitis.
Observation:
- Historically, treatment involved splenectomy and antibiotics.
- Recent understanding of the spleen's immunological significance has shifted treatment paradigms.
Findings:
- Current management trends favor conservative approaches, including minimally invasive or non-invasive interventions.
- This shift reflects a growing appreciation for spleen preservation.
Implications:
- Spleen-preserving treatments may lead to better patient outcomes by maintaining immune function.
- Further research into conservative management strategies for splenic abscesses is warranted.
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