- An abscess is a pocket of inflamed tissue filled with pus. Abscesses can form anywhere on the body (both inside and outside). They’re most commonly found on the surface of the skin. An abdominal abscess is a pocket of pus located in the abdomen.
- Abdominal abscesses can form near the inside of the abdominal wall, at the back of the abdomen, or around organs in the abdomen, including the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. Abdominal abscesses may develop for no apparent reason, but they’re usually related to another event, such as intra-abdominal surgery, rupture of the bowel, or injury to the abdomen Causes – Abdominal abscesses are caused by bacteria that usually enter the abdomen as a result of penetrating trauma, rupture of the bowel, or intra-abdominal surgery. Intra-abdominal abscesses (abscesses within the abdomen) can develop when the abdominal cavity or an organ in the abdomen is compromised in some way and bacteria are able to enter. Such conditions include appendicitis, bowel rupture, penetrating trauma, surgery, and Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Depending on where the abdominal abscess is located, additional causes may be to blame. Abscesses can also form in the space between the abdominal cavity and the spine. These abscesses are known as retroperitoneal abscesses. The retroperitoneum refers to the space between the abdominal cavity and the spine.
- Symptoms – General symptoms of abdominal abscesses include: • feeling unwell • abdominal pain • nausea and vomiting • fever • loss of appetite Diagnosis – The symptoms of an abdominal abscess may be similar to the symptoms of other, less serious conditions. Your doctor may run an imaging test to make a proper diagnosis. An ultrasound may be the first diagnostic tool used. Other imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, also help your doctor see the abdominal organs and tissues. Your doctor may take a sample of fluid from the abscess and examine it to make a better diagnosis. The method for obtaining a fluid sample depends on the location of the abscess.