Intra-abdominal abscess
Alternative Names
Abscess - intra-abdominalSymptoms
Depending on the location, symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Abdominal pain and distention
- Weakness
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rectal tenderness and fullness
- Diarrhea
Exams and Tests
The white blood cell count may be elevated on a complete blood count test. A CT scan of the abdomen will usually reveal an intra-abdominal abscess. In addition, after a CT scan, a needle may be placed through the skin into the abscess cavity to confirm diagnosis and treat the abscess. Liver function tests, abdominal x-ray, and sonogram may also be helpful in diagnosing abscess.
Sometimes laparotomy (opening of the abdomen, which is done under general anesthesia) may be necessary for diagnosis.
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