Baylor Health Care System
 

Intra-abdominal abscess

Definition

An intra-abdominal abscess is an infected pocket of fluid and pus located inside the belly area (abdominal cavity). There may be more than one abscess.

Alternative Names

Abscess - intra-abdominal

Causes

An intra-abdominal abscess can be caused by a ruptured appendix, ruptured diverticula, intestinal parasitism (Entamoeba histolytica), or other condition.

Risk factors for intra-abdominal abscess include a history of appendicitis, diverticulitis, perforated ulcer disease, or any surgery that may have infected the abdominal cavity.

Review Date: 7/14/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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