Psoas abscess in pregnancy: a review of the literature and suggestion of minimally invasive treatment options.

AIM: Less than a dozen cases of psoas abscesses in pregnancy have been described in the literature. We reviewed the literature when treating a patient with a psoas abscess after ipsilateral double J-ureteral stent placement (in the following: "double J-stent") due to infected hydronephrosis. METHODS: In January 2022, this review was searched using the Pubmed/MEDLINE database and the mesh terms "Psoas Abscess" AND "Pregnancy". Studies were included in any language and of all years, describing a psoas abscess during pregnancy. When patients did not have a psoas abscess, the abscess occurred after pregnancy, or when there was no full text available, the article was excluded. MAIN RESULTS: Ten case reports about patients with psoas abscesses during pregnancy were included. The classical symptomatic triad of psoas muscle abscess included lower back pain, limping and persistent fever with daily spikes. However, in most cases, not all three symptoms can be found. Especially, fever is absent in more than half of the patients. Psoas abscesses are described between 13 and 39 weeks of gestation. Primary psoas abscesses with haematogenous spread are more common during pregnancy than secondary with spread per continuitatem. In the literature, the main reasons for psoas abscess are spinal tuberculosis, drug abuse or underlying diseases such as Crohn's disease. It is not uncommon for the definite cause to be unclear. Regarding the patient's symptoms, pyelonephritis is often considered a possible aetiology. In general, the main treatment options include antibiotic treatment and abscess drainage. There is no higher caesarean section rate, and no negative outcome for the foetus has been described. CASE PRESENTATION: In our patient, a 38-year-old obese Caucasian woman, who had received a left double J-stent for infected hydronephrosis at 15 weeks of gestation, we successfully treated a psoas abscess of 20 × 10 cm with a sonographically assisted abscess drainage and antibiotics. The further course of pregnancy and the elective repeat caesarean section at 38 + 0 weeks of gestation were without any problems. Double J-stent placement and laser stone lithotripsy during puerperium were performed because of recurrent urolithiasis. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, psoas abscesses can occur during pregnancy, and it has often been treated surgically in the past. A psoas abscess as a complication after infected hydronephrosis and intervention during pregnancy has never been reported in the literature. Even for obese patients, minimally invasive therapy may be a treatment option that has rarely been reported in the literature.

Late-onset spondylodiscitis and psoas abscess, 5 years after percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty: a case report.

Postoperative infection following percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (PBK) is a rare complication and delayed onset infection is very rare. We report the case of a 62-year-old male, who developed spondylodiscitis and psoas abscess 5 years after two-level, L2 and L3 PBK. He was initially treated with abscess aspiration and long term antimicrobial treatment. Eventually, due to failure of conservative treatment he underwent anterior decompression, radical debridement of the infected tissue and non-instrumented fusion with strut graft, with excellent results.

Endoleak Complicated by communicating psoas abscess and aorto-enteric fistula in an immunocompromised patient.

PURPOSE: While endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm (EVAR) has become the mainstay treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), it is not without its disadvantages. Feared complications include graft infections, fistulation and endoleak, the outcomes of which may be life limiting. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 57 year-old patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) previously treated with EVAR for AAA complicated by endoleak post treatment. He developed an aorto-psoas abscess 2 years later which harboured Mycobacterium avium complex, and medical therapy was unsuccessful. He eventually underwent an extra-anatomical bypass and graft explant, for which an aortoenteric fistula was also discovered and repaired. CONCLUSION: Infection of endografts post EVAR is relatively rare, and there are presently no guidelines concerning its management. The concomittance of aorto-psoas abscess and aortoenteric fistula is even more uncommon, and necessitated surgical explant for source control purposes in our patient. Lifelong surveillance is required for complications of the aortic stump and bypass patency.

Single-stage posterior resection of the transversal process combined with an intervertebral foraminal approach for debridement, interbody fusion, internal fixation for the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis and psoas major abscess.

PURPOSES: To investigate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of the treatment for lumbar tuberculosis with psoas major abscess with single-stage posterior resection of the transversal process combined with an intervertebral foraminal approach for debridement, interbody fusion, internal fixation. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated the clinical data of 24 patients (14 males and 10 females) with lumbar tuberculosis and psoas major abscess admitted to the Comprehensive Surgery from June 2016 to June 2019. All patients were treated with the single-stage posterior approach to remove the transverse process combined with the intervertebral foramina approach for debridement, interbody fusion, internal fixation. The quadruple anti-tuberculosis drug therapy was given both pre-operatively and post-operatively. Clinical symptoms and complications were investigated and recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), degree of lesion fusion C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were evaluated. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 16. 5 months (from 12 to 36 months). The average VAS score at three months post-operation was significantly declined than the pre-operative VAS score [(2.17 ± 0.87) points vs (5.46 ± 1.22) points, t = - 11.534, P < 0.01)]. At the last follow-up, the neurological function of 20 patients recovered to grade E, whereas four patients were still in grade D. The ESR and CRP returned to normal levels in all patients. Bone fusion was achieved in nine cases at six months, 11 cases at nine months, and four cases at 12 months. The incisions of 23 patients had healed nicely without chronic sinus. Poor incision healing only happened in one case at the day 12 post-operation. The bone grafts among the lesions obtained bony fusion. Besides, there was no recurrence of tuberculosis, loosening or fracture of internal fixation during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Single-stage posterior resection of the transversal process combined with an intervertebral foramina approach for debridement, interbody fusion, internal fixation is probably an effective and safe approach of the treatment for lumbar tuberculosis combined with psoas major abscess, producing few complications. This technique provides an alternative method for the surgical treatment of lumbar tuberculosis combined with psoas major abscess.

[A Case Report of Psoas Abscess Formation Caused by Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma].

We report a rare case of psoas abscess formation caused by mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. A 65-year-old women was admitted to our hospital for treatment for iliopsoas abscess. She presented with standing difficulty and her laboratory data showed an increased level of leukocytes. CT scan demonstrated an abscess formation in iliopsoas muscle. Colonoscopy showed an ulcer on her cecum. Although percutaneous drainage was performed on the first day, the abscess relapsed repeatedly. Ileocolectomy was performed on post admission day 29. Abscess drainage continued after the operation, the patient was discharged on postoperative day 34. Pathological examination revealed mucinous cystadenocarcinoma on the cecal tumor. Total 8 cycles of FOLFOX6 was performed as adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient has been survived for 20 months with no recurrence.

Single-stage posterior-only debridement, decompression and interbody fusion for the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscesses.

BACKGROUND: To explore the clinical safety and efficacy of single-stage posterior-only debridement, decompression, allograft bone using titanium mesh and interbody fusion combined for the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscesses. METHODS: A total of 38 patients diagnosed with thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscesses underwent surgery via single-stage posterior-only debridement, decompression, allograft bone using titanium mesh and interbody fusion from January 2010 to September 2016 were enrolled in the study. The clinical efficacy of the approach was assessed based on parameters including operating time, blood loss, Cobb angle, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Frankel grade, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: The surgery duration was 224.4 ± 71.1 min with a blood loss of 731.8 ± 585.8 ml. The Cobb angle was corrected from 16.0 ± 15.4° preoperatively to 8.1 ± 7.4° postoperatively (P < 0.001, t = - 4.38), and returned to a level of 11.0 ± 8.5° at the final follow-up (P = 0.002, t = 3.38). Back pain was relieved, with the mean preoperative VAS of 3.5 ± 1.1 decreased to 0.7 ± 0.8 postoperatively (P < 0.001, t = 23.21) and then to 0.6 ± 0.5 at the final follow-up (P < 0.001, t = 17.07). Neurological function was improved in various degrees and psoas abscesses disappeared in all patients. The ESR and CRP decreased gradually after surgery and returned to normal at the final follow-up in all patients. All patients achieved bone fusion thoroughly and no recurrence of TB or surgical related complications was found at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Single-stage posterior-only debridement, decompression, allograft bone using titanium mesh and interbody fusion is a safe and effective approach for the management of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis complicated with psoas abscesses.

Transverse process osteotomy for surgical drainage of primary iliopsoas abscess and secondary cases combined with spondylodiscitis.

Iliopsoas abscess refers to collection of fluid in iliopsoas muscle compartment. It is well-known condition in medical history as a complication of tuberculous spine infection. Most of the cases now are due to pyogenic infection. Patient usually presents late due to delayed diagnosis. We aim to present a less invasive technique for surgical drainage of iliopsoas abscess. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is a prospective study done between 2015 and 2018. The study included 28 patients with confirmed diagnosis of iliopsoas abscess. Laboratory investigations included CBC, ESR, and C-reactive protein that were done for all patients. MRI with contrast enhancement was gold standard for diagnosis. Ten patients underwent surgical psoas abscess drainage by transverse process osteotomy via Wiltse approach without any other spine intervention. Eighteen patients had posterior spine fixation and interbody fusion together with transverse process osteotomy and abscess drainage as treatment for spondylodiscitis. The patients were followed up for clinical improvement, and functional assessment was done by Oswestry disability index. ESR and CRP were used for laboratory follow-up of infection subsidence. Follow-up of abscess size and resolution was done by pelvic-abdominal ultrasonography. RESULTS: The mean maximum width of the abscesses in MRI axial views was 38.8 mm. Patients were divided into two groups. Group (1) included ten patients who underwent drainage only while group (2) included 18 patients who underwent spine fusion for treatment of spondylodiscitis. The amount of pus drained intra-operatively was of average 234 cc in group 1 and 191.6 in group 2. The drain was removed in average 58.6 hours post-operatively in group 1 with mean of 168.4 cc of drained fluid and in average of 74.3 hours for group 2 with mean of 350.5 cc of drained fluid. The ODI and inflammatory markers improved in all patients. The follow-up period was of average 26.7 months. The organism was isolated from 19 patients (5 patients were tuberculous and 14 patients were different pyogenic pathogens). No fluid recollection was observed in pelvic-abdominal ultrasound during follow-up in our series. CONCLUSION: Transverse process osteotomy is a safe and effective approach for drainage of psoas abscess. It can be done alone or combined with posterior spine fusion for treatment of spondylodiscitis.

Minimally invasive surgery for paravertebral or psoas abscess with spinal tuberculosis - a long-term retrospective study of 106 cases.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a common treatment option for paravertebral or psoas abscesses (PAs) in patients with spinal tuberculosis (ST). However, its efficacy remains controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of MIS for PA with ST combined with anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 106 consecutive patients who underwent MIS for ST with PA from January 2002 to Oct 2012 were reviewed. The MIS involved computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous catheter drainage and percutaneous catheter infusion chemotherapy. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on the changes observed on preoperative and postoperative physical examination, inflammatory marker testing, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 7.21 ± 3.15 years. All surgeries were successfully completed under CT-guidance without intraoperative complications and all patients experienced immediate relief of their symptoms, which included fever and back pain. The preoperatively elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein values returned to normal at a mean period of 3 months postoperatively. Solid bony union was observed in 106 patients and no abscesses were found on MRI examination. CONCLUSION: MIS carries advantages in terms of less invasiveness, precise drainage, and enhanced local drug concentration. While the technique has not been fully characterized and clinically prove, its use in addition to conservative chemotherapy and open debridement and instrumental fixation may be recommended for patients with ST and PA.

Percutaneous Retroperitoneoscopic Drainage of Complex Extraperitoneal Abscesses Using Flexible Endoscopy: Description of Technique and Perioperative Care.

The treatment of primary psoas abscesses usually is performed by a combination of prolongued antiobiotic therapy and drainage with interventional radiology techniques. However, although this combination is usually adequate for the treatment of solitary extraperitoneal collections, the presence of multi-loculated complex abscesses requires usually multiple procedures and feruently mandates open surgery. Herein, we describe an alternative tehnique of percutaneous retroperitoneoscopic drainage of multiple extensive primary psoas abscesses using flexible endoscopy, which can enable treatment these cases as one-stop proedure in a minimally invasive manner.

Comparison of the Anteroposterior and Posterior Approaches for Percutaneous Catheter Drainage of Tuberculous Psoas Abscess.

BACKGROUND Tuberculous infection of the lumbar spine may be associated with psoas abscess. The aim of this clinical study was to compare the outcome of posterior lumbar debridement and spinal fusion, combined with either a one-stage anteroposterior (AP) or posterior (P) approach to percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) for the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis with psoas abscess. MATERIAL AND METHODS From January 2008 to June 2012, 74 patients were diagnosed at our hospital with lumbar tuberculosis with unilateral or bilateral psoas abscess. Forty-three patients underwent P-PCD (group A), and 31 patients underwent AP-PCD (group B). Operative duration, blood loss, the length of hospital stay, spinal correction, clinical cure rate, and other clinical outcomes in the two groups were compared. RESULTS Comparison of the outcome for the P-PCD and AP-PCD patients showed that there was no significant difference in outcome for spinal bone fusion, correction of spinal deformity, or cure rate from tuberculosis infection (P>0.05). Blood loss, operative time, and the length of hospital stay for patients in group A, the P-PCD group, were significantly less than for group B, the AP-PCD group (P<0.05). Also, group B, the AP-PCD group, had an increased incidence of complications than group A, the P-PCD group, leading to increased hospital stay (OR 3.04, CI 0.52-17.75). CONCLUSIONS For the treatment of tuberculous psoas abscess using PCD, the posterior approach may achieve the same clinical efficacy as the anteroposterior approach, but is associated with reduced length of hospital stay, and lower risk of complications.

Psoas abscess secondary to retroperitoneal distant metastases from squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix with thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and duodenal infiltration treated by Whipple procedure: A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Psoas abscess is a rare clinical disease of various origins. Most common causes include hematogenous spread of bacteria from a different primary source, spondylodiscitis or perforated intestinal organs. But rarely some abscesses are related to malignant metastatic disease. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report we present the case of a patient with known squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix treated with radio-chemotherapy three years prior. She now presented with a psoas abscess and subsequent complete inferior vena cava thrombosis, as well as duodenal and vertebral infiltration. The abscess was drained over a prolonged period of time and later was found to be a complication caused by metastases of the cervical carcinoma. Due to the massive extent of the metastases a Whipple procedure was performed to successfully control the local progress of the metastasis. CONCLUSION: As psoas abscess is an unspecific disease which presents with non-specific symptoms adequate therapy may be delayed due to lack of early diagnostic results. This case report highlights the difficulties of managing a malignant abscess and demonstrates some diagnostic pitfalls that might be encountered. It stresses the necessity of adequate diagnostics to initiate successful therapy. Reports on psoas abscesses that are related to cervix carcinoma are scarce, probably due to the rarity of this event, and are limited to very few case reports. We are the first to report a case in which an extensive and complex abdominal procedure was needed for local control to improve quality of life.

[Septic Sacroiliitis Complicated by a Pseudoaneurysm of the Internal Iliac Artery. A Case Report]. / Septická sakroiliitida komplikovaná pseudoaneuryzmatem arteria iliaca interna - kazuistika.

The case of a 67-year-old woman with a combination of pelvic pyomyositis and left-sided sacroiliitis is reported. After a failed two-week antibiotic therapy, CT-guided percutaneous drainage of psoas muscle abscesses was performed and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated. Subsequently, a regression of symptoms was observed. At 6.5 weeks after the onset of symptoms, progression of sacroiliac joint (SI) destruction was again observed and an open revision of the SI joint was indicated (posterior approach, drainage and lavage). This again was followed by symptom regression. At 9.5 weeks after the patient was admitted, her condition markedly deteriorated and a large gluteal abscess was detected on CT examination. The second revision surgery was complicated by massive bleeding and, due to a septic pseudoaneurysm, internal iliac artery ligation was necessary. A significant subsidence of inflammatory changes and no pseudoaneurysm were shown on the follow-up CT scan. The intravenous antibiotic therapy with clindamycin was continued. At follow-up, repeated microbiological cultures from both tissue samples and drained secretions were all negative and CT scanning detected neither any fluid around the SI joint nor a pseudoaneurysm.

Fever with intradialytic pelvic pain: a case of iliopsoas abscess complicated with Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus bacteraemia in an end stage renal failure patient.

Staphylococcus Aureus is a Gram-positive cocci bacteria which had been found to be the causative organism in over 88% of patients with primary iliopsoas abscess. We report the case of a 53-year-old diabetic woman with end-stage renal failure diagnosed with left iliopsoas abscess with a catheter-related infection. Computed tomogram (CT) of abdomen and pelvis revealed hypodense lesions of left psoas, iliacus and quadratus lumborum suggestive of psoas abscesses. In addition, osteomyelitis changes at left sacroiliac and hip joint were seen. At surgery, she was found to have abscess at the posterior psoas muscle where she underwent open surgery drainage and percutaneous drain was inserted. A high index of suspicion of iliopsoas abscess should be maintained among haemodialysis patients presenting with intradialytic pelvic and hip pain and treated with optimal antibiotics therapy with appropriate surgical intervention.

[A Case of Laparoscopic Resection of Sigmoid Colon Cancer Complicated by an Iliopsoas Abscess Preceded by Abscess Drainage].

For colon cancer complicated by iliopsoas abscess, it is unclear whether surgery should be performed prior to abscess drainage. We were able to perform laparoscopic sigmoid resection safely after first draining the abscess. We believed it would be beneficial to avoid surgery in the presence of abscess and inflammation, and the minimally invasive operation was performed after improvements of the patient's general status and inflammation.

Minimally invasive retroperitoneoscopic surgery for psoas abscess with thoracolumbar tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Minimally invasive retroperitoneoscopic surgery (MIS) for psoas abscess (PA) in patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis is not well-illustrated and has not reached the status of being fully clinically assessed when we review the English literatures. The aim of this study is to introduce and investigate on efficacy and feasibility of MIS (retroperitoneoscopic technique) for PA in patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2008 to 2013, 39 consecutive patients of the diagnosis of PA with thoracolumbar tuberculosis received the debridement of abscesses and cavity walls of abscesses by the retroperitoneoscopic technique (MIS) in combination with anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. Medical records and follow-up data were retrospectively studied. CRP and ESR of every patient preoperatively and postoperatively were analyzed RESULTS: Immediate relief in clinical symptoms and signs, and amelioration in imaging and laboratory examinations were obviously observed in all the patients. The follow-up had proceeded for 12-48 (mean 23) months. No complication was observed during the follow-up postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The retroperitoneoscopic technique for PA gain advantages in terms of shorter hospital stay, minimal invasiveness, absence of radiation, quicker recovery to daily life compared with percutaneous drainage, and anterior or posterior debridement surgery. Despite the technique not been fully clinically proved, it seems to be a recommended option as an effective diagnostic and therapeutic technique for PA, especially with massive or complicated PA.

Surgical treatment for spinal tuberculosis with bilateral paraspinal abscess or bilateral psoas abscess: one-stage surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective study on the clinical outcomes of single-stage surgery for thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis patients with bilateral paraspinal or bilateral psoas abscesses. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of, indications for, and clinical effects of single-stage posterior surgery for the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis with bilateral paraspinal or bilateral psoas abscesses. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: An increasing number of articles have been published on the use of single-stage surgery for spinal tuberculosis; however, none of these articles have discussed the use of such surgery in patients with bilateral abscesses. METHODS: Between January 2003 and January 2011, 41 patients with thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis and bilateral paraspinal or bilateral psoas abscesses were treated with single-stage posterior surgery. All of the patients were treated preoperatively with 1-2 weeks of antituberculosis drugs. All patients were managed postoperatively with standard courses of chemotherapy with triple or quadruple antituberculosis drugs. The clinical symptoms, complications, and laboratory and image indicators were recorded. RESULTS: There were no local recurrences except in one L3-L4 tuberculosis patient. Two patients presented with extraspinal tuberculosis in the third year. There were no incision complications. Bone fusion was observed 6 months after the operation. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was normal at 3 weeks-3 months postoperatively. There were no internal fixation failures. The internal fixations in 6 young patients were removed after the spinal tuberculosis was cured. CONCLUSIONS: Single-stage posterior surgery with instrumentation results in less operative trauma and can be a suitable alternative for treating thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis with bilateral paraspinal or bilateral psoas abscesses.

Iliopsoas abscess: an unexpected sequela of dilation and evacuation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the case of a patient who developed an iliopsoas abscess after a dilation and evacuation for a midtrimester fetal demise. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a case report of a 35-year-old woman who underwent a dilation and evacuation at 17 weeks' gestation because of a preterm premature rupture of membranes and fetal demise. Four days later, she presented with fevers, chills, malaise, and right lower back, hip, and thigh pain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a 2.3 × 1.6-cm right iliopsoas abscess. RESULTS: The patient underwent computed tomography-guided drainage of the abscess and made an uneventful recovery after completion of an antibiotic course and physical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: An iliopsoas abscess should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any woman presenting with fevers, chills, and unilateral lower back, hip, and thigh pain in a radicular pattern after a recent dilation and evacuation.

Features and treatment modality of iliopsoas abscess and its outcome: a 6-year hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous drainage (PCD) and surgical intervention are two primary treatment options for iliopsoas abscess (IPA). However, there is currently no consensus on when to use PCD or surgical intervention, especially in patients with gas-forming IPA. This study compared the characteristics of patients with gas-forming and non-gas forming IPA and their mortality rates under different treatment modalities. An algorithm for selecting appropriate treatment for IPA patients is proposed based on our findings. METHODS: Eighty-eight IPA patients between July 2007 and February 2013 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients < 18 years of age or with an incomplete course of treatment were excluded. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of different treatment approaches were compared between gas-forming IPA and non-gas forming IPA patients. RESULTS: Among the 88 enrolled patients, 27 (31%) had gas-forming IPA and 61 (69%) had non-gas forming IPA. The overall intra-hospital mortality rate was 25%. The gas-forming IPA group had a higher intra-hospital mortality rate (12/27, 44.0%) than the non-gas forming IPA group (10/61, 16.4%) (P < 0.001). Only 2 of the 13 patients in the gas-forming IPA group initially accepting PCD had a good outcome (success rate = 15.4%). Three of the 11 IPA patients with failed initial PCD expired, and 8 of the 11 patients with failed initial PCD accepted salvage operation, of whom 5 survived. Seven of the 8 gas-forming IPA patients accepting primary surgical intervention survived (success rate = 87.5%). Only 1 of the 6 gas-forming IPA patients who accepted antibiotics alone, without PCD or surgical intervention, survived (success rate = 16.7%). In the non-gas forming IPA group, 23 of 61 patients initially accepted PCD, which was successful in 17 patients (73.9%). The success rate of PCD was much higher in the non-gas forming group than in the gas-forming group (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the high failure rate of PCD and the high success rate of surgical intervention in our samples, we recommend early surgical intervention with appropriate antibiotic treatment for the patients with gas-forming IPA. Either PCD or primary surgical intervention is a suitable treatment for patients with non-gas forming IPA.