Conservative management of isolated splenic abscess in children
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Splenectomy In Children: A Case Report with Literature Review
Published on: March 27, 2026
Subhasis Roy Choudhury1, Pinaki Ranjan Debnath, Prashant Jain
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Lady Hardinge Medical, College and Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi 110001, India. roychouin@yahoo.co.in
Insights
Isolated splenic abscesses in children are rare but treatable. Conservative management with antibiotics and drainage leads to favorable outcomes, avoiding splenectomy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Abdominal Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Isolated splenic abscesses (SAs) are uncommon pediatric conditions.
- This study details a single-center experience with SAs in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the diagnosis, etiology, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric splenic abscesses.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of conservative management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 18 pediatric patients (age 3-16 years) over 8 years.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, laboratory findings, imaging, and treatment protocols.
Main Results:
- Common symptoms included fever, abdominal pain, and anorexia; splenomegaly and thrombocytosis were frequent.
- Typhoid fever was a significant associated condition; Salmonella paratyphi A was identified in cultures.
- All patients received intravenous antibiotics; 56% underwent percutaneous aspiration for abscesses >3 cm.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric splenic abscesses respond well to conservative treatment.
- Intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics and percutaneous drainage are effective, obviating the need for splenectomy.
Introduction:
Isolated splenic abscesses (SAs) are rare in children. We report a single-center experience with emphasis on their diagnosis, etiology, treatment, and outcome.
Methods:
This is a retrospective review.
Results:
Eighteen children (age, 3-16 years; male-female ratio, 5:1) were managed over a period of 8 years in a tertiary-care institution. Presenting symptoms included fever, abdominal pain, and anorexia. Splenomegaly was present in 12 (67%), leukocytosis in 9 (50%), and thrombocytosis in 12 (67%) patients. Associated diseases were thalassemia (1), tuberculosis (1), and typhoid fever (9). Solitary and multiple SAs were seen in equal numbers. Blood culture grew Salmonella paratyphi A in 1 case. Splenic aspirate culture was positive in 3 (Escherichia coli [1], S paratyphi A [1], Acinetobacter [1]). Widal serology was positive in 9 (50%) patients. Management consisted of intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy in all patients, together with percutaneous aspiration in 10 (56%) cases where the abscess size was greater than 3 cm. All patients responded, and complete resolution was observed.
Conclusion:
Isolated SA in children responds favorably to conservative treatment with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics and percutaneous drainage without the need for splenectomy.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
01:29Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction