Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Splenectomy In Children: A Case Report with Literature Review
Published on: March 27, 2026
Conservative management of isolated splenic abscess in children
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