A subphrenic abscess is a buildup of pus and fluids in the abdomen, often caused by surgery, perforated ulcers, or infections. It is treated with surgery and antibiotics, and patients may experience symptoms such as tenderness, fever, and fatigue. It is a potential complication of abdominal surgery and can be prevented by monitoring health closely.
A subphrenic abscess is a buildup of pus and other body fluids in an area of the abdomen called the subphrenic space, located between the diaphragm and the colon. This medical condition is most commonly the result of a surgical procedure in the abdomen or a perforated ulcer or an infection. It is treated with surgery to drain the fluid and antibiotics to deal with the infection. Patients with this condition are most commonly elderly, although a subphrenic abscess can occur in patients of any age.
This condition occurs when infectious material is released into the subphrenic space, where it can float freely and travel as the contents of the abdomen move. After exploratory or therapeutic surgical procedures, it is possible for an infection to develop and transform into a subphrenic abscess. These abscesses can also occur when a patient with a severely inflamed gallbladder or appendix experiences a rupture, when an anastomosis in the intestine ruptures, or when an ulcer in the stomach perforates all the way into the abdomen.
Patients may develop symptoms such as tenderness and pressure in the abdomen, fever, restlessness, nausea, fatigue, and a general feeling of malaise. The subphrenic abscess will be clearly visible on medical imaging studies such as ultrasounds and X-rays, and the abdomen may also feel tender to the touch. If the patient is unstable, medications may be prescribed to make him healthy enough for surgery. Once the patient is stable, a surgeon opens the abscess site, drains the material, irrigates it, and implants a tube.
The tube will allow additional pus and other materials to drain as the subphrenic abscess heals. During surgery, the surgeon will also address the cause of the abscess, performing a repair or removal as needed to stop the buildup of infected material. When the patient wakes up, antibiotics will be given to address the infection and the tube outlet will be monitored as the material drains. As the patient heals, the tube will gradually be shortened, until it can be removed entirely.
Subphrenic abscess is one of the possible risks of abdominal surgery and is a potential complication of untreated inflammation, infection, and ulceration in the abdomen. Patients at risk for this condition may be advised to monitor their health closely for any signs of emerging complications. This will allow problems such as a subphrenic abscess to be addressed as quickly as possible, ideally before the patient’s health has been permanently compromised.
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