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[Retroperitoneal abscesses: clinical and therapeutical aspects]
Minerva Chirurgica
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Retroperitoneal abscesses, often caused by pyogenic bacteria, present with fever and abdominal pain. Prompt surgical drainage and antibiotics are crucial for effective treatment, though surgical mortality remains around 25%.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Context:
- Retroperitoneal abscesses are uncommon infections compared to peritoneal infections.
- They often result from adjacent organ injury or hematogenous spread.
- Pyogenic bacteria are now the primary cause, superseding tuberculosis.
Purpose:
- To detail the clinical and anatomical characteristics of retroperitoneal abscesses.
- To discuss diagnostic modalities and treatment strategies.
- To highlight the efficacy and outcomes of different treatment approaches.
Summary:
- Retroperitoneal abscesses manifest with symptoms like fever and abdominal pain, necessitating differentiation from tumors and hematomas.
- Computed tomography (CT) scanning is the preferred imaging modality for accurate localization.
- Treatment involves prompt, adequate drainage (surgical preferred over catheter) and systemic antibiotics.
Impact:
- Improved understanding of retroperitoneal abscesses aids in timely diagnosis and management.
- Highlighting the superiority of surgical drainage can guide clinical decision-making.
- Data on treatment outcomes informs prognosis and potential complications, including a 25% surgical mortality rate.