Risk factors for developing intra-abdominal abscess following appendicectomy for acute appendicitis: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendicectomy is commonly performed in Australia for treatment of acute appendicitis. Intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) is a potential complication following appendicectomy for acute appendicitis. Risk factors for developing post-operative IAA remain controversial and poorly defined. Laparoscopic washout may be performed for patients who develop complication(s) including IAA. The aim of this study was to define risk factors for both the development of IAA and identify patients who may require laparoscopic washout following appendicectomy. METHODS: Data were obtained from 423 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy over a five-year period (2012-2017). Clinical (fever, haemodynamics, examination findings), biochemical (white cell count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, bilirubin, albumin), radiological (CT free fluid), and operative factors (inflammation, suppuration, free-fluid, perforation, histopathology) collected in the pre-, peri-, and post-operative period(s) were analysed. RESULTS: 23 (5.4%) patients developed post-operative IAA. Duration of intravenous antibiotics was significantly longer in patients who developed IAA and in those who required laparoscopic washout (p < 0.0001). C-reactive protein (CRP) on admission (p < 0.05) and appendiceal perforation (p = 0.0005) were significantly higher in patients who either developed IAA or needed laparoscopic washout. No clinical or radiological finding predicted either the development of IAA or need for laparoscopic washout. CONCLUSION: Elevated CRP on admission may predict the development of post-operative IAA formation or the need for laparoscopic washout post-appendicectomy. Prolonged post-operative antibiotic use appears independent of the development of IAA as well as the need for laparoscopic washout. These data highlight the need for clear guidelines on peri-operative antibiotic use following appendicectomy.

Factors Affecting Postoperative Early-term Mortality and Anastomotic Leakage in Geriatric Colorectal Cancer Patients.

AIM: In terms of early-term mortality, there may be variability in terms of factors belonging to age groups. While some risk factors apply to all patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery, some factors may come to the fore in terms of age. There have been very few studies on factors that increase the risk of early-term mortality, especially for geriatric patients. It was aimed to compare factors influencing prognosis and mortality within the first 30 postoperative days between geriatric patients and those <65 years of age, and to identify factors that increase the risk of anastomotic leakage and early-term mortality, particularly in geriatric patients. METHODS: Clinical, laboratory, and pathology findings from 341 patients (186 geriatric) who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer between January 2016 and December 2019 were collected and analyzed. In terms of categorical variables, comparisons between groups were made with Pearson's Chi Square test and Fisher's Exact Test. Risk coefficients of variables in terms of anastomotic leakage and early-term mortality were determined by logistic regression analysis. The results were evaluated within the 95% Confidence interval, and p < 0.05 values were considered significant. RESULTS: Anastomotic leakage was detected in 7% of patients, and 6.2% of the patients died within the first 30 postoperative days. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was significantly higher in geriatric patients with hypertension (p = 0.003), those undergoing emergency surgery (p = 0.007), those with stage 4 tumors (p < 0.001), those with ostomy-related complications (p = 0.042), those who developed intraabdominal abscess or peritonitis (p < 0.001), those with respiratory failure (p = 0.009), and those with perforation (p = 0.001). In patients <65 years of age, groups stratified by these variables did not differ significantly in terms of early-term mortality rate (p > 0.05 for each). CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that lack of bowel preparation and development of intraabdominal abscess/peritonitis significantly increase early-term mortality rates in both <65 and geriatric patients. Additionally, hypertension, emergency surgery, advanced tumor stage, development of ostomy-related complications, respiratory failure, and perforation significantly increase early-term mortality solely in geriatric patients.

Clinical relevance of the 3-cm threshold in sigmoid diverticulitis with abscess: consensus or quandary?

PURPOSE: Diverticular abscess is a common manifestation of acute complicated diverticulitis. We aimed to analyze the clinical course of patients with diverticular abscess initially treated conservatively. METHODS: All patients with diverticular abscess undergoing elective or urgent/emergency surgery from October 2004 to October 2022 were identified from our institutional database. Depending on the abscess size, patients were divided into group A (≤ 3 cm) and group B (> 3 cm). Conservative treatment failure was defined as clinical deterioration, persistent or recurrent abscess, or urgent/emergency surgery. Baseline characteristics and short-term perioperative outcomes were recorded and compared between both groups. Uni- and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify determinants of conservative treatment failure and overall ostomy formation. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were enrolled into group A (n = 73) and group B (n = 32). Uni- and multivariate analyses revealed abscess size as the only significant factor of conservative therapy failure [OR 9.904; p < 0.0001], while overall ostomy formation was significantly affected by an increased body mass index (BMI) [OR 1.366; p = 0.026]. There were no significant differences in perioperative outcome with the exception of a longer total hospital stay in patients managed with abscess drainage compared to antibiotics alone prior surgery in group B (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Abscess diameter > 3 cm is not just an arbitrary chosen cut-off value for drainage placement but has a prognostic impact on medical treatment failure in patients with complicated acute diverticulitis. In this subgroup, the choice between primary drainage and antibiotics does not appear to influence outcome at the cost of prolonged hospital stay after drainage insertion.

Late-Onset Mesh Infection Manifesting as Preperitoneal Abscess and Cutaneous Fistula Post-TEP Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Endoscopic inguinal hernia repair has become the preferred technique currently. The use of mesh to facilitate a tension-free reinforcement has become the standard of care during endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP), laparoscopic transabdominal pre-peritoneal, and open inguinal hernia repair. Although uncommon, late-developing mesh infections, defined as those occurring in the surgical site months or years after the procedure, can lead to severe complications. To achieve the best possible outcome for the patient, prompt imaging and a multidisciplinary approach to management, including complete surgical removal of the contaminated mesh and proper antibiotic therapy, are crucial. CASE REPORT A 39-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of intermittent fever, progressive lower abdominal pain and fullness, and purulent discharge from the abdominal wall. Her medical history was significant for an endoscopic right TEP inguinal hernia repair performed 3 years earlier, which involved the use of an anatomic mesh and titanium screws. Physical examination and ultrasound findings revealed a large preperitoneal abscess with cutaneous fistulization, secondary to a deep-seated mesh infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified as the causative pathogen. She underwent a 2-step surgical procedure, including an initial fistulectomy followed by endoscopic abscess drainage and surgical excision of the infected mesh, combined with antimicrobial therapy, resulting in an excellent clinical response and complete resolution. This strategy also allowed for an effective assessment of the abdominal wall integrity. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the importance of considering late-developing mesh infections in patients presenting with abdominal symptoms who have previously undergone TEP hernia repair, even years after the initial surgery.

Antibiotic treatment after appendectomy for acute complicated appendicitis to prevent intrabdominal abscess and wound infections.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the most appropriate duration of postoperative antibiotic treatment to minimize the incidence of intraabdominal abscesses and wound infections in patients with complicated appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, which included 396 adult patients who underwent appendectomy for complicated appendicitis between January 2010 and December 2020 at the University Hospital Erlangen, patients were classified into two groups based on the duration of their postoperative antibiotic intake: ≤ 3 postoperative days (group 1) vs. ≥ 4 postoperative days (group 2). The incidence of postoperative intraabdominal abscesses and wound infections were compared between the groups. Additionally, multivariate risk factor analysis for the occurrence of intraabdominal abscesses and wound infections was performed. RESULTS: The two groups contained 226 and 170 patients, respectively. The incidence of postoperative intraabdominal abscesses (2% vs. 3%, p = 0.507) and wound infections (3% vs. 6%, p = 0.080) did not differ significantly between the groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that an additional cecum resection (OR 5.5 (95% CI 1.4-21.5), p = 0.014) was an independent risk factor for intraabdominal abscesses. A higher BMI (OR 5.9 (95% CI 1.2-29.2), p = 0.030) and conversion to an open procedure (OR 5.2 (95% CI 1.4-20.0), p = 0.016) were identified as independent risk factors for wound infections. CONCLUSION: The duration of postoperative antibiotic therapy does not appear to influence the incidence of postoperative intraabdominal abscesses and wound infections. Therefore, short-term postoperative antibiotic treatment should be preferred.

Gastrosplenic Fistula and/or Splenic Abscess: A Rare and Refractory Complication Following Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Splenic abscess is a rare complication often associated with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) due to factors including local infections, distant infections, tumors, ischemia, and trauma, which presents substantial challenges. We report four cases of gastrosplenic fistula and/or splenic abscess after SG. Patient data, including demographics, comorbidities, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and outcomes, were recorded. Surgical techniques for SG adhered to established protocols. Four patients had a male-to-female ratio of 2:2, with an average age of 39.8 years and an average preoperative BMI of 38.9 kg/m2. All patients were readmitted due to recurrent fever and chills caused by splenic abscesses detected on CT scans, with an average admission duration of 16.5 weeks. Treatments varied from fasting and antibiotics to percutaneous drainage and surgical interventions. The average treatment duration post-diagnosis of splenic abscess was 37.25 weeks. Managing gastrosplenic fistula and/or splenic abscess is complex, underscoring the significance of prompt diagnosis and proper treatment. This highlights the need for heightened awareness among healthcare professionals to promptly recognize and manage this rare complication after SG.

Severe Complications of Uterine Dehiscence Post-Lower Segment Cesarean Section: A Case Report Emphasizing the Importance of Timely Diagnosis and Intervention.

BACKGROUND Uterine dehiscence, an infrequent event often mistaken for uterine rupture, is rarely linked to post-cesarean section procedures and can result in severe complications, notably puerperal sepsis. In this report, we present a case that exemplifies the onset of puerperal sepsis and the emergence of intra-abdominal abscesses attributed to uterine dehiscence following a lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). CASE REPORT Our patient, a 28-year-old woman in her third pregnancy, underwent LSCS 1 week earlier. Subsequently, she returned to the hospital with lower abdominal pains, fever, and malodorous vaginal discharge. Computed tomography (CT) scan of whole abdomen verified uterine dehiscence and pus collection at the subhepatic region and right paracolic gutter. After referral to a specialized hospital, laboratory findings indicated an elevated white blood cell count and alkaline phosphatase levels, and coagulation abnormalities. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy, which unveiled uterine dehiscence, abscesses, and adhesions, necessitating a total abdominal hysterectomy and abdominal toileting. Pus culture analysis identified the presence of E. coli, which was susceptible to ampicillin/sulbactam. Complications were encountered after surgery, including wound dehiscence and pus re-accumulation. Successful management involved vacuum dressings and percutaneous drainage. Eventually, her condition improved and she was discharged, without additional complications. CONCLUSIONS This report underscores the importance of considering cesarean scar dehiscence as a diagnosis in women with previous cesarean deliveries who present during subsequent pregnancies with symptoms such as abdominal pain or abdominal sepsis. Diagnostic tools, such as CT, play pivotal roles, and the timely performance of an exploratory laparotomy is paramount when suspicion arises.

[Minimally invasive interventions for complications associated with intra-abdominal calculi after laparoscopic cholecystectomy]. / Vozmozhnosti minimal'no invazivnykh vmeshatel'stv v lechenii oslozhnenii, svyazannykh s vnutribryushnymi konkrementami posle videolaparoskopicheskoi kholetsistektomii.

OBJECTIVE: To study the possibilities of minimally invasive methods for removing intra-abdominal calculi after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 5 patients with abdominal abscesses associated with infected calculi after previous laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Care between 2020 and 2023. Mean age of patients was 55±12 years. There were 3 (60%) women and 2 (40%) men. All patients underwent minimally invasive treatment. RESULTS: Four patients (80%) underwent percutaneous drainage of abscess with subsequent replacement by larger drains and removal of calculi with endoscopic assistance. Event-free period after cholecystectomy was 44±32 months. One patient developed subhepatic abscess in 72 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This patient underwent transluminal removal of calculus through the duodenal wall. There was 1 calculus in 3 (60%) patients, 2 calculi in 1 (20%) patient and 3 calculi in 1 (20%) patient. CONCLUSION: The above-mentioned cases demonstrate successful minimally invasive interventions for symptomatic abdominal calculi after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Minimally invasive treatment can reduce surgical aggression and accelerate rehabilitation.

The utility of intraperitoneal drain placement after laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis in postoperative intraperitoneal abscess prevention.

BACKGROUND: Perforated appendicitis is associated with postoperative development of intraperitoneal abscess. Intraperitoneal drain placement during appendectomy is thought to reduce the risk of developing postoperative intraperitoneal abscess. The aim of this study was to determine whether intraperitoneal drainage could reduce the incidence of intraperitoneal abscess formation after laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all patients (aged 7 and above) who were diagnosed with perforated appendicitis and subsequently underwent laparoscopic appendectomy between January 2018 and December 2022 at two government hospitals in the state of Kuwait. Demographic, clinical, and perioperative characteristics were compared between patients who underwent intraoperative intraperitoneal drain placement and those who did not. The primary outcome was the development of postoperative intraperitoneal abscess. Secondary outcomes included overall postoperative complications, superficial surgical site infection (SSI), length of stay (LOS), readmission and postoperative percutaneous drainage. RESULTS: A total of 511 patients met the inclusion criteria between 2018 and 2022. Of these, 307 (60.1%) underwent intraoperative intraperitoneal drain placement. Patients with and without drains were similar regarding age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (Table 1). The overall rate of postoperative intraperitoneal abscess was 6.1%. Postoperatively, there was no difference in postoperative intraperitoneal abscess formation between patients who underwent intraperitoneal drain placement and those who did not (6.5% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.707). Patients with intraperitoneal drains had a longer LOS (4 [4, 6] vs. 3 [2, 5] days, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the overall complication (18.6% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.065), superficial SSI (2.9% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.791) or readmission rate (4.9% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.835). CONCLUSIONS: Following laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis, intraperitoneal drain placement appears to confer no additional benefit and may prolong hospital stay.

Percutaneous Endoscopy and Image-guided Retrieval of Dropped Gallstones - A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent abscesses can happen due to dropped gallstones (DGs) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Recognition and appropriate percutaneous endoscopy and image-guided treatment options can decrease morbidity associated with this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report a minimally invasive endoscopy and image-guided technique for retrieval of dropped gallstones in a series of 6 patients (M/F=3/3; median age: 75.5 years [68 to 82]) presenting with recurrent or chronic intra-abdominal abscesses secondary to dropped gallstones. Technical success was defined as the visualization and retrieval of all stones. DGs were identified on pre-procedure imaging. Number of abscesses recurrence was 12 (1/6), 1 (3/6), and 0 (2/6) with a median interval of 2 months (1 to 21) between cholecystectomy and abscess development. RESULTS: Percutaneous endoscopy and fluoroscopy guidance were utilized in all cases. Technical success was achieved in 4 patients (66%). The median procedure time was 65.8 minutes (39 to 136). The median fluoroscopy time and dose were 12.6 min (3.3 to 67) and 234 mGy (31 to 1457), respectively. There were no intraprocedure and postprocedure complications. No abscess recurrence was reported among successful procedures during a median follow-up of 193 days (51 to 308). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous image and endoscopy-guided lithotripsy/lithectomy are safe and effective. This technique is a suitable alternative to open surgery for dropped gallstones. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, Case Series.

Impact of Concomitant Traumatic Pancreatic and Colon Injuries on Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Colon and pancreatic injuries have both long been independently associated with intraabdominal infectious complications in trauma patients. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of concomitant pancreatic injury on outcomes in patients with traumatic colon injuries. METHODS: Consecutive patients over a 3-year period who underwent operative management of colon injuries were identified. Patient characteristics, severity of injury and shock, presence and grade of pancreatic injury, and intraoperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions were recorded. Outcomes including intraabdominal abscess formation and suture line failure were collected and compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was then performed to determine the impact of concomitant pancreatic injury on intraabdominal abscess formation. RESULTS: 243 patients with traumatic colon injuries were identified. 17 of these also had pancreatic injuries. Patients with combined colon and pancreatic injuries were clinically similar to those with isolated colon injuries with respect to age, gender, penetrating mechanism of injury, admission lactate, ISS, suture line failure, and admission systolic blood pressure. Both intraabdominal abscess rates (88.2% vs 29.6%, P < .001) and intraoperative PRBC transfusions (8 vs 1 units, P = .004) were higher in the combined pancreatic and colon injury group. Multivariable logistic regression identified both intraoperative PRBC transfusions (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.15; P < .001) and concomitant pancreatic injury (odds ratio, 14.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.92-96.87; P < .001) as independent predictors of intraabdominal abscess formation. DISCUSSION: Both intraoperative PRBC transfusions and presence of concomitant pancreatic injury are independent predictors of intraabdominal abscess formation in patients with traumatic colon injuries.

Predictive factors for recurrent acute appendicitis after conservative treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Conservative treatment of acute appendicitis is gaining popularity, and identifying patients with a higher risk of recurrence is becoming increasingly important. Previous studies have suggested that older age, male sex, diabetes, appendicolith and abscess formation may be contributing factors, however, results from the adult population are inconsistent. AIM: This study aims to identify predictive factors for recurrent appendicitis after conservative treatment. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with conservatively treated acute appendicitis at Skåne University Hospital, Sweden during 2012-2019. Information on patient demographics at index admission and follow-up data were retrieved from medical charts and radiologic images. Uni -and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed using Stata Statistical Software. RESULTS: In total, 379 patients with conservatively treated acute appendicitis were identified, of which 78 (20.6%) had recurrence. All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 41 months after the first diagnosis of acute appendicitis unless appendectomy after successful conservative treatment or death occurred during follow-up. The median time to recurrence was 6.5 (1-17.8) months. After multivariable logistic regression analysis, external appendix diameter >10 mm [OR 2.4 (CI 1.37-4.21), p = .002] and intra-abdominal abscess [OR 2.05 (CI 1.18-3.56), p = .011] on computed tomography were significant independent risk factors for recurrent appendicitis. Appendicolith was not associated with an increased risk of recurrence. CONCLUSION: This study suggests abscess formation and appendix distension of >10 mm to be potential risk factors for recurrent acute appendicitis after initial successful conservative treatment.

Complicated retroperitoneal diverticulitis presenting with abscess and acute limb ischemia.

This case highlights a rare presentation of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon with perforation into the retroperitoneum complicated by abscess, vertebral osteomyelitis and acute lower extremity ischemia. A late 40-year-old man presented to an emergency department with acute ischemia of his left lower extremity. He was tachycardic with a leucocytosis, an unremarkable abdominal exam and a pulseless, insensate and paralysed left lower extremity. Imaging revealed sigmoid thickening, an abscess adjacent to iliac vasculature and occlusion of the left popliteal artery. The abscess came in contact with prior spine anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) hardware at L5-S1 vertebrae. The patient was taken urgently to the operating room for embolectomy, thrombectomy and fasciotomy. He was started on antibiotics and later underwent operative drainage with debridement for osteomyelitis. Non-operative management of the complicated diverticulitis failed, necessitating open sigmoidectomy with colostomy. 1 year later, he was symptom-free and the colostomy was reversed.

Towards a tailored approach for patients with acute diverticulitis and abscess formation. The DivAbsc2023 multicentre case-control study.

BACKGROUND: This multicentre case-control study aimed to identify risk factors associated with non-operative treatment failure for patients with CT scan Hinchey Ib-IIb and WSES Ib-IIa diverticular abscesses. METHODS: This study included a cohort of adult patients experiencing their first episode of CT-diagnosed diverticular abscess, all of whom underwent initial non-operative treatment comprising either antibiotics alone or in combination with percutaneous drainage. The cohort was stratified based on the outcome of non-operative treatment, specifically identifying those who required emergency surgical intervention as cases of treatment failure. Multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors associated with the failure of non-operative treatment was employed. RESULTS: Failure of conservative treatment occurred for 116 patients (27.04%). CT scan Hinchey classification IIb (aOR 2.54, 95%CI 1.61;4.01, P < 0.01), tobacco smoking (aOR 2.01, 95%CI 1.24;3.25, P < 0.01), and presence of air bubbles inside the abscess (aOR 1.59, 95%CI 1.00;2.52, P = 0.04) were independent predictors of failure. In the subgroup of patients with abscesses > 5 cm, percutaneous drainage was not associated with the risk of failure or success of the non-operative treatment (aOR 2.78, 95%CI - 0.66;3.70, P = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Non-operative treatment is generally effective for diverticular abscesses. Tobacco smoking's role as an independent risk factor for treatment failure underscores the need for targeted behavioural interventions in diverticular disease management. IIb Hinchey diverticulitis patients, particularly young smokers, require vigilant monitoring due to increased risks of treatment failure and septic progression. Further research into the efficacy of image-guided percutaneous drainage should involve randomized, multicentre studies focussing on homogeneous patient groups.

Surgical management of complicated Crohn's disease.

Surgical management of pediatric Crohn's disease is fundamentally palliative, aiming to treat the sequalae of complicated disease while preserving intestinal length. Multidisciplinary discussion of risk factors and quality of life should take place prior to operative intervention. Though the surgical management of pediatric Crohn's disease is largely based on the adult literature, there are considerations specific to the pediatric population - notably disease and treatment effects on growth and development. Intrabdominal abscess is approached with percutaneous drainage when feasible, reserving surgical intervention for the patient who is unstable or failing medical therapy. Pediatric patients with fibrostenotic disease should be considered for strictureplasty when possible, for maximum preservation of bowel length. Patients with medically refractory Crohn's proctocolitis should be treated initially with fecal diversion without proctocolectomy.

Long-term outcomes of intestinal penetrating Crohn's disease following successful nonoperative management.

There is a paucity of data on the surgical or medical treatment for abscess/fistula complicating Crohn's disease after successful nonsurgical management. We conducted a cohort study to investigate the long-term outcomes and the risk factors for the requirement of subsequent surgical intervention in Crohn's disease patients with complicating fistulas/abscess following successful nonsurgical management. Data were collected on penetrating Crohn's disease experiencing successful nonsurgical treatment between December 2012 and December 2021. Long-term outcomes and risk factors of surgery were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis, and subgroup analysis was performed based on penetrating phenotype including abscess, fistula, and phlegmon. A total of 523 penetrating Crohn's disease patients; there were 390, 125, and 60 patients complicated with fistulas, abscess, and phlegmon, respectively. Long-term outcomes showed that BMI < 18.5 (kg/m 2 ), the recurrent abscess, and stricture were independent risk factors of surgery. Biologics and resolution of abscess were independent protective factors of surgery. Furthermore, in 399 patients undergoing early surgery, stricture and BMI < 18.5 (kg/m 2 ) were independent risk factors, and biologics and abscess resolution were protective of the early surgery. Subgroup analysis based on fistula, abscess, and phlegmon phenotype also demonstrated that concomitant stricture was an independent risk factor and the use of biologics was protective of surgical resection. Our data indicate that biologics can delay the requirement of surgery and may be given to patients with penetrating complicating Crohn's disease who have been successfully treated nonoperatively, but surgical resection should be considered in the setting of malnutrition and stenosis formation.

The Intraperitoneal Use of Cephazolin: A Novelty in the Prevention of Intra-abdominal Abscess after Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy followed by postoperative intravenous (IV) antibiotics is the standard of care for acute appendicitis and postoperative prevention of intra-abdominal abscesses. The aim of or study was to determine if intraperitoneal irrigation with antibiotics could help prevent intra-abdominal abscess formation after laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis in pediatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on consecutive pediatric patients with acute appendicitis who had appendectomy in our Pediatric Surgery Department between August 2020 and February 2022. We compared two groups with similar age and symptoms. The first group (A) was treated with the normal standard of care, i.e., laparoscopic appendectomy and postoperative IV antibiotic therapy. For the second group (B) intraperitoneal cefazoline irrigation was added at the end of the laparoscopic procedure. Postoperative intra-abdominal abscess was diagnosed with ultrasound examination, performed after clinical suspicion/abnormal blood test results. RESULTS: One hundred sixty patients (males:females 109:51; median age 10.5 years [range 3-17 years]) who had laparosopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis were included, 82 in group A and 78 in group B. In the first 7 days after surgery, 18 patients in group and 5 in group B developed an intra-abdominal abscess (p < 0.005). Drains were positioned in 38 patients in group A vs. 9 in group B. One patient in group A had a different complication which was infection of the surgical incision. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal cefazoline irrigation at the end of the laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric patients significantly reduces the formation of intra-abdominal abscesses.

Utilizing Video-Assisted Retroperitoneal Debridement for Retroperitoneal Abscess Following Penetrating Trauma.

Retroperitoneal abscess as a sequela of penetrating trauma can pose a difficult clinical scenario for surgeons and literature to inform decision making is sparse. It is logical to follow a "step-up" approach applied to other etiologies of infected retroperitoneal fluid collections, such as infected pancreatic necrosis and perinephric abscess. Video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) is a well-established approach in infected pancreatic necrosis when surgical debridement is warranted. Minimally invasive retroperitoneal approaches have emerged in a broadening range of etiologies and specialties. We describe our experience utilizing VARDs in two patients that developed retroperitoneal abscesses following gunshot injuries to bowel and proximal urinary system. Both failed a conservative approach including antibiotic and percutaneous drains. Rapid improvement and subsequent discharge were observed within days of VARD procedure. We believe VARD to be a viable approach to post-trauma retroperitoneal abscesses when surgical drainage is indicated, and anatomy is favorable.