Abdominal Abses: Follow-up

Outcome and Prognosis

The introduction of CT scanning for diagnosing and draining intra-abdominal abscesses has led to a dramatic reduction in mortality rates. Sequential multiple system organ failure is the main cause of death. Incidence of death is correlated to the severity of the underlying cause, a delayed diagnosis, inadequate drainage, and unsuspected foci of infection within the peritoneal cavity or elsewhere. Risk factors for morbidity and mortality are multiple surgical procedures, age older than 50 years, multiple organ failure, and complex, recurrent, or persistent abscesses.