Intra-abdominal abscess: a study of 47 patients at the Hospital Universitario del Valle

Abstract

From patients with a diagnosis of intraabdominal sepsis admitted during the last six months of 1984 to the Hospital Universitario del Valle, Cali, Colombia, 240 clinical charts were analyzed. Of the 48.3% were in the 15-44 years age group, 66.7% had high leukocytosis, and jaundice was registered in 7.5%

Chesr and plain abdominal radiographs were done in less than 20% of cases; only 8% received ultrasound studies, which were a helpful tool for diagnosing intraabdominal abscesses. CAT studies were not performed.

The leading causes of intraabdominal sepsis were: a) perforated acute appendicitis, b) hollow viscus perforation, c) abdominal trauma, d) biliary tract pathology, and e) gyneco-obstetric diseases. Surgical treatment was provided to all of the patients. Only 51% received a combination of gentamicin plus chloramphenicol, while different antibiotic combinations against aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms were given to the remaining patients. Escherichia coli was the most common isolated bacterium. Total mortality was 10.8%, and 13.3 days represented mean hospital stay.