Subdiaphragmatic abscesses: myths and realities. A report on sixty-two cases

The main cause (60.8%) of subdiaphragmatic abscesses in a series of 62 patients (of which 46 were males), was found to be hepatobiliary in nature. Radiology proved to be helpful in correct diagnosis (61%), as did ultrasonography (60%). Right sided subdiaphragmatic abscesses were (55/62) 88.7% of the total. Mean abscess volume was 500 ml while culturing efforts were in vain in 32% of the abscess cases (able to be cultured). The incidence of morbidity was (12/62) 19.4% and mortality (3/62) 4.8% in this series, where the treatment was solely through surgical drainage. Though closed drainage using ultrasonic guidance has been popular in the past decade, it has its drawbacks. Open surgical drainage therefore, as a well established mode of treatment, is recommended.