Retroperitoneal abscesses: 12 years of evaluation in Isfahan, Iran

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Resident, Department of Urology, School of Medicine And Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 Professor, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Retroperitoneal abscesses (RPAs) are serious long-term infections leading to considerable mortality and morbidity. We evaluated these uncommon clinical problems and focused on diagnostic techniques, pathologic causes, and therapeutic difficulties useful to the practicing surgeon.Methods: Between October 1995 and November 2007, the medical records of 23 patients seen at Alzahra Hospital (Isfahan, Iran) with the diagnosis of RPA were reviewed retrospectively. Attention was directed to pathogenesis, predisposing factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and outcome. The clinical data was then analyzed.Findings: RPAs were more likely to occur among middle-aged men (mean age = 35 years). The disease was likely to present insidiously. On the average it took 10.8 days to diagnose after hospitalization. Among etiologic factors, postsurgical complication of urology played an important role. Tuberculosis still seemed to be an important medical risk factor for RPA. Sonography strongly enhanced the diagnosis of RPA (45%). However, the diagnostic imaging modality of choice was computerized tomography (CT). Finally, RPA led to prolonged hospitalization (12.8 days) and a high mortality rate (21.7%). Conclusion: A correct clinical suspicion is an important factor in diagnosing this chronic illness. Distinction of predisposing factors would lead to successful treatment and decreased morbidity. Sonography is the simplest and the most available diagnostic modality for RPA. The most common causes of RPA include urological causes and the most successful therapeutic decision is surgical drainage.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 29, Issue 152 - Serial Number 152
July and August 2011
Pages 1248-1254

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 May 2012
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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