Abscesses (intra-abdominal, subcutaeneous, perianal)

Question 1

What is an abscess?

Answer 1

A collection of pus

Question 2

What is an anorectal abscess?

Answer 2

Collection of pus in the anal or rectal area

Question 3

What are the causes of anorectal abscesses?

Answer 3

Cryptoglandular

• plugging of anal ducts
• fluid stasis
• infection

Malignancy

IBD

Trauma

Question 4

Common causative organisms of anorectal abscesses

Answer 4

Escherichia coli
Bacteriodes
Enterococcus

Question 5

What are the areas that anorectal abscesses occur?

Answer 5

Perianal
Ischiorectal
Intersphincteric
Supralevator

Question 6

Clinical features of anorectal abscesses

Answer 6

Perianal pain - worse on sitting
Localised swelling

Eryhtematous, fluctuant, tender perianal mass

Question 7

Management of anorectal abscess

Answer 7

Antibiotic therapy

Incision and drainage

Question 8

What is an intra-abdominal abscess?

Answer 8

Collection of pus inside the peritoneal cavity

Question 9

Risk factors for intra-abdominal abscess

Answer 9

Diabetes
Malignancy
Recent surgery
Male

Question 10

Clinical features of intra-abdominal abscess

Answer 10

Abdominal pain
Fever
Lack of appetite
Change in bowel habits

Question 11

Investigations for suspected intra-abdominal abscess

Answer 11

Bloods

• raised WCC
• raised CRP

Abdominal CT

Question 12

Management of an intra-abdominal abscess

Answer 12

Antibiotics

Incision and drainage

Question 13

What is a subcutaeneous abscess?

Answer 13

Collection of pus in subcutaenous tissue under skin