Depending on the location, patients with intra-abdominal abscess may have fever and chills, abdominal pain and distention, weakness, anorexia (lack of appetite), nausea, and occasionally vomiting, rectal tenderness and fullness, or diarrhea.
Signs and tests:
The white blood cell count may be elevated on a complete blood count test. A CT scan of the abdomen will usually reveal an intra-abdominal abscess. In addition, after a CT scan, a needle may be placed through the skin into the abscess cavity to confirm diagnosis and treat the abscess. Liver function tests, abdominal x-ray, and sonogram may also be helpful in diagnosing abscess.
Sometimes laparotomy (opening of the abdomen, which is done under general anesthesia) may be necessary for diagnosis.
Review Date: 7/14/2004
Reviewed By: Norman S. Kato, MD, Surgeon with the Cardiac Care Medical Group, Encino, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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