The management of splenic abscess

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Splenic abscess is a rare but serious intra-abdominal infection.
• Diagnosis can be challenging due to non-specific symptoms.
• Management strategies aim to avoid invasive procedures when possible.

Observation:

• Three patients with splenic abscess were treated with non-surgical or minimally invasive approaches.
• One patient achieved successful resolution with medical treatment alone.
• A second patient responded well to combined medical therapy and percutaneous drainage.

Findings:

• The third patient required splenectomy following failure of medical treatment and complications arising from percutaneous drainage.
• This case series highlights the variable treatment outcomes for splenic abscess.
• Diagnostic challenges and treatment indications require careful consideration.

Implications:

• Non-surgical and percutaneous drainage methods offer viable alternatives to open surgery for splenic abscess.
• Splenectomy remains a necessary option in refractory cases or when complications arise.
• Further research into optimal diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms for splenic abscess is warranted.