Abscess in the inguinal hernial sac after peritonitis surgery: A case report

Endoscopic fenestration in the diagnosis and treatment of delayed anastomotic submucosal abscess: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Abscess formation is one of the complications after radical resection of rectal cancer; cases with delayed postoperative anastomotic abscess are rare. Here, we report a rare case of postoperative anastomotic abscess with a submucosal neoplasm appearing after rectal surgery. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed and treated by endoscopic fenestration. In addition, we review the literature on the appearance of an abscess as a complication after rectal cancer surgery.

CASE SUMMARY

A 57-year-old man with a history of rectal malignancy resection complained of a smooth protuberance near the anastomotic stoma. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic structure originating from the muscularis propria, and a submucosal tumor was suspected. The patient was subsequently referred to our hospital and underwent pelvic contrast-enhanced computed tomography, which revealed no thickening or strengthening of the anastomotic wall. In order to clarify the origin of the lesion and obtain the pathology, endoscopic fenestration was performed. After endoscopic procedure, a definitive diagnosis of delayed anastomotic submucosal abscess was established. The patient achieved good recovery and prognosis after the complete clearance of abscess.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic fenestration may be safe and effective for the diagnosis/treatment of delayed intestinal smooth protuberance after rectal cancer surgery.

Acute pyogenic inguinal abscess from complex soft-tissue infection or intra-abdominal pathology

BACKGROUND

Abscesses involving the inguinal region are uncommon as manifestations of complex soft-tissue infections or intra-abdominal pathology, and the routes by which they cause infection are usually unclear and may be overlooked.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of reports in the English language literature of the clinical presentations, outcomes, and causes of abscess in the inguinal/groin area requiring surgical intervention. The cases of 33 patients, including 30 patients in 27 reports in the literature and 3 patients in the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Chia-Yi, were reviewed to determine the ages, positions, gender, hypothesized causes, diagnostic modalities, and clinical outcomes of abscesses in the inguinal/groin area. Clinical data, laboratory examination findings, and culture results were analyzed.

RESULTS

Inguinal abscesses presented as tender inguinal masses that could extend from gastrointestinal, genitourinary, or retroperitoneal sites as well as being of miscellaneous origin. Most patients with such abscesses presented with fever and leukocytosis. Computed tomography provided a sensitive means for establishing the correct diagnosis and surgical plan of treatment for inguinal sbscesses. Gram-positive pathogens were associated with infections involving hip or thigh muscles and gram-negative pathogens were associated with infections involving the gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) tracts as well as with abscesses of the psoas muscle, Discussion: The inguinal region communicates through several routes with the peritoneal and retroperitoneal spaces as well as with the region of the thigh. The lymphatics drain from the external genitalia, inferior anal canal or perianal region, adjoining abdominal wall, and the lower extremities. Evaluation of a patient with inguinal abscess and with signs of infection should include computed tomography (CT) to elucidate the extent of infectious disease. Information obtained from CT is important in guiding the prescription of antibiotics and surgical planning for the treatment of inguinal abscesses.

CONCLUSIONS

Computed tomography is helpful in diagnosing inguinal abscess and determining the extent of infection. In patients presenting with inguinal abscess. Early recognition of its origin can facilitate further surgical planning and possibly improve the outcome.

The role of cross sectional imaging in the management of acute pyogenic inguinal abscess - extrapelvic versus intrapelvic origin

Background

Abscesses involving the inguinal region as manifestations of complex soft-tissue infections are rare, and the infectious route is usually unclear. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the importance of imaging study and whether the clinical presentations differ between the extrapelvic and intrapelvic origin.

Methods

Patients who presented with inguinal abscess between January 2003 and December 2010 were evaluated retrospectively. All patients received broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and debridement. Imaging studies, including computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, were performed in all patients to elucidate the origin and extent of infectious disease, and the results were reviewed. Clinical data, laboratory examination findings, and culture results were analyzed.

Results

Twenty-eight patients were enrolled in the study: 13 patients whose infections were of extrapelvic origin (Group 1) and 15 patients of intrapelvic origin (Group 2). Imaging studies yielded information that helped guiding the treatment. Gram-positive coccus infection was more frequent in Group 1 (p < 0.001), while mixed pathogen and anaerobic bacterial infection were more frequent in Group 2 (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006, respectively). Group 2 had a higher incidence of history of malignancy and chronic renal failure (p = 0.044 and p = 0.038, respectively).

Conclusions

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are helpful in diagnosing cases of inguinal abscess and determining the extent of infection. In patients presenting with acute pyogenic inguinal abscess, a higher prevalence of chronic renal failure and history of malignancy were found in those with an intrapelvic, as compared with an extrapelvic, origin of infection.