Work

Persistent intra-abdominal abscess with intestinal obstruction following seven failed drainage procedures over 3.5 years: a case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal abscesses are common post-operative complications, typically resolving with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics. Chronic, refractory abscesses persisting for years and progressing to mechanical bowel obstruction are exceedingly rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 36-year-old female who developed a persistent intra-abdominal abscess following an ovarian cystectomy, with symptoms persisting for 3½ years despite seven drainage procedures and two exploratory laparotomies. She presented with progressive abdominal distension, vomiting, and signs of bowel obstruction. Imaging confirmed a chronic organized abscess abutting bowel loops. Definitive management included bowel and omental resection with restoration of bowel continuity. Histopathology revealed chronic suppurative inflammation without granulomas or malignancy. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the need to consider chronic intra-abdominal abscess in the differential diagnosis of persistent post-operative symptoms and underscores the importance of timely surgical intervention in refractory cases to prevent progression to rare complications such as mechanical bowel obstruction.

Source: BMC Surgery

DOI: 10.1186/s12893-025-03314-9

Authors: Ayman Shemes, Salma Samra, Ahmed Mohamed, Amr A. Elgharib

Institution: Mansoura University

Language: English

Topic: Abdominal Surgery and Complications

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090