Cohort Definition Name: Intraabdominal abscess
Contributor name: Andreas Weinberger Rosen
Contributor OrcId: 0000-0001-9990-8155
Logic Description: First event Intraabdominal abscess
Recommended study application: exposure, outcome, indication. Created intended to with a wide definition, and one where causes are likely not due to either colorectal cancer or surgery with colorectal cancer as an indication
Assertion statement: This cohort definition was executed on at least one real person-level observational health data source and resulted in a cohort with at least 1 person.
Submitted cohort definition:
Intestinal obstruction- broad.txt (1.2 KB)
Intraabdominal abscess - broad.txt (3.9 KB)
Target Clinical Description
An intrabdominal abscess following surgery is a localized collection of pus within the abdominal cavity, often secondary to a surgical procedure. It is a severe postoperative complication that can result from contamination during surgery, infection of a surgical site, or anastomotic leaks. The condition is life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated, as it can lead to systemic infection and sepsis.
Presentation of Intrabdominal Abscess
Common presentations for intrabdominal abscess include:
-
Fever and chills -
Abdominal pain or tenderness -
Malaise and fatigue -
Altered bowel habits -
Leukocytosis
Assessment for Intrabdominal Abscess
- Abdominal imaging, usually a CT scan with
contrast, to localize the abscess and assess its size and complexity -
Blood tests including complete blood count,
inflammatory markers, and blood cultures
-
Percutaneous or surgical drainage may be considered
for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
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Prompt surgical consultation is often required for evaluation and management
Differential Diagnosis of Intrabdominal Abscess
- Postoperative ileus
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Surgical site infection without abscess formation -
Anastomotic leak -
Hematoma or seroma -
Acute pancreatitis
Treatment Plan for Intrabdominal Abscess
The mainstay of treatment is usually percutaneous or surgical drainage of the abscess, accompanied by broad-spectrum antibiotics to manage the underlying infection. Surgery may be needed in cases where the abscess is not amenable to percutaneous drainage, is associated with a complication like anastomotic leak, or when there’s a failure of conservative management.
Prognosis for Intrabdominal Abscess
The prognosis is variable and highly dependent on the timeliness of diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment. Early intervention typically results in more favorable outcomes, whereas delays can lead to severe complications like sepsis, multi-organ failure, and even death. The patient’s overall health, underlying conditions, and response to treatment are also critical factors influencing prognosis.
Assignment for Peer Review:
Peer review of the phenotype would be more than welcome