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Splenic abscess: presentation, treatment options, and results
W E Faught1, J J Gilbertson, E W Nelson
1Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City.
American Journal of Surgery
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Splenic abscess, a rare bacterial infection, can be treated with splenectomy or CT-guided drainage. Percutaneous drainage showed fewer complications than splenectomy in this study.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pyogenic splenic abscess is uncommon, often associated with underlying risk factors.
- Diagnosis typically relies on advanced imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the management of splenic abscess using splenectomy versus computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous drainage.
- To evaluate the outcomes and complications associated with each treatment modality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 10 patients diagnosed with splenic abscess.
- Comparison of treatment outcomes between splenectomy (7 patients) and CT-guided drainage (3 patients).
- Analysis of causative microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Streptococcus viridans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacteroides fragilis.
Main Results:
- Computed tomography scan was diagnostic in 80% of cases.
- Splenectomy group: 2 morbidities and 1 death.
- CT-guided drainage group: no reported complications.
Conclusions:
- A flexible management approach for splenic abscess is suggested.
- CT-guided percutaneous drainage may be a safe and effective alternative to splenectomy in select patients.
- Splenectomy remains a traditional but potentially more morbid option for bacterial splenic abscess.