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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
Published on: March 2, 2020
A case of a recurrent iliopsoas abscess masking a complicated appendicitis successfully treated by a laparoscopic
Sae Byeol Choi1, Hyung Joon Han, Wan Bae Kim
1Department of Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. sschoikorea@gmail.com
Abstract:
Iliopsoas abscesses can be caused by a secondary adjacent infectious source in the bowel. Complicated retroperitoneal abscesses involving the iliopsoas muscle and the lateral abdominal wall can develop as a serious complication of a perforated acute appendicitis. A 73-year-old man with a history of recurrent iliopsoas abscess was referred to our clinic. He had earlier been treated for recurrent right iliopsoas abscess by a percutaneous catheter and operative drainage and antibiotics in another hospital 3 times for 6 years at 2 or 3 year intervals. At the fourth episode, the abscess was proven to be caused by perforated appendicitis on laparoscopic exploration. The main drainage procedure of the abscess, as well as the appendectomy, was performed through a laparoscopic approach.
Insights
Recurrent iliopsoas abscesses in a 73-year-old man were successfully treated with laparoscopic drainage and appendectomy. This approach resolved the fourth episode, caused by perforated appendicitis, highlighting minimally invasive options for complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Iliopsoas abscesses can arise from adjacent bowel infections.
- Perforated appendicitis can lead to severe retroperitoneal abscesses.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old male presented with a history of recurrent right iliopsoas abscesses over six years.
- Previous treatments included percutaneous catheter drainage, operative drainage, and antibiotics.
Findings:
- The fourth episode of iliopsoas abscess was diagnosed as originating from perforated appendicitis.
- Laparoscopic exploration confirmed the appendiceal source.
- Laparoscopic appendectomy and abscess drainage were performed successfully.
Implications:
- Laparoscopic surgery offers a minimally invasive approach for managing complex iliopsoas abscesses secondary to appendicitis.
- This case highlights the importance of investigating recurrent abscesses for underlying gastrointestinal pathology.
- Effective management can prevent further recurrence and complications.
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