Medical Versus Interventional Treatment of Intra-Abdominal Abscess in Patients With Crohn Disease

Few studies exist to guide the treatment approach to intra-abdominal abscesses in Crohn disease, which can include antimicrobials alone or in conjunction with percutaneous drainage or surgery. The primary aim of this study is to review outcomes from different treatment approaches to intra-abdominal abscess in Crohn disease.

Medical records were reviewed for patients admitted to the University of Michigan health care system with Crohn disease and intra-abdominal abscess over a 4-year period. Outcomes were compared among medical and interventional approaches. The χ² test was used to test for statistical significance.

Of the 33 patients included, 13 were in the medical group and 20 were in the interventional group. Abscess recurrence/nonresolution occurred in 31% of patients in the medical group and 25% of patients in the interventional group (P = .7).

In this study, there was no significant difference in outcome between medical and interventional therapy for intra-abdominal abscess in Crohn disease.