Treatment of an intra-abdominal abscess requires intravenous antibiotic therapy and drainage. Drainage involves placing a needle through the skin in the abscess cavity, usually under radiological (X-ray) guidance. The drain is then left in place for days or weeks until the abscess resolves.

Occasionally, abscesses cannot be safely accessed this way. In such cases, an operation is necessary. An incision is made in the abdomen under general anesthesia (the patient is unconscious and pain-free). The abscess cavity is drained and washed. A drain is left in the abscess cavity, which remains in place until the infection resolves.

Whatever the drainage approach, it is important to identify and address the underlying condition that caused the abscess.

The outlook depends on the original cause of the abscess and the degree of infection present. Generally, drainage is successful in treating localized intra-abdominal abscesses.

Complications include recurrent abscesses, spontaneous rupture of an abscess, and occasionally, spread of the infection to the blood stream and widespread infection.

Call your physician for any severe abdominal pain, fevers, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits.