Exploratory laparotomy and drainage of a left pelvic abscess: a case report

Intra-abdominal abscesses within the peritoneal cavity and pelvis are formed in response to infection or inflammation, often following trauma, surgery, or chronic inflammation. Immunocompromised patients are at high risk of developing postoperative abscesses. Affected patients may present atypically or with signs of sepsis, even without abscess rupture. In this case, a 58-year-old male with stage III chronic kidney disease secondary to sarcoidosis & prostate cancer presented to the emergency department with 10 days of back and left hip pain, lower abdominal pain, and early signs of sepsis. Following an urgent care visit for his symptoms 2 days prior, his condition deteriorated, and imaging showed a left pelvic mass. This prompted emergency exploratory laparotomy, revealing a left pelvic sidewall abscess with abacterial purulent fluid without bowel perforation. We highlight the management of this patient's abscess and his post-operative care, alongside the contributing factors that led to his abscess formation.