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Intra-abdominal abscess - Symptom

Alternative Names

Abscess - intra-abdominal

Symptoms:

Depending on the location, symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain and distention
Chills
Diarrhea
Fever
Lack of appetite
Nausea
Rectal tenderness and fullness
Vomiting
Weakness

Signs and tests:

A complete blood count may show a higher-than-normal white blood count.

A CT scan of the abdomen will usually reveal an intra-abdominal abscess. After the CT scan is done, a needle may be placed through the skin into the abscess cavity to confirm the diagnosis and treat the abscess.

Other tests may include:

Abdominal x-ray
Liver function tests,
Ultrasound of the belly area

Sometimes surgery called a laparotomy may be needed to diagnose this condition.

Intra-abdominal abscess, CT scan

Meckels diverticulum

Reviewed last on: 7/17/2008
Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Fry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron J, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Colon and Rectum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2008:chap.50.

Marrero F, Qadeer MA, Lashner BA. Severe complications of inflammatory bowel disease. Med Clin North Am. May 2008; 92(3): 671-86, ix.

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