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Intra-Abdominal Abscess

What Is Abscess—Intra Abdominal Surgery?

Patients with an abdominal abscess often receive intra abdominal surgery to correct their condition.  In most cases, these abscesses are the result of an infection after an operation or during recovery from appendicitis or a burst ulcer.   

Giving the patient general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision of approximately 3 inches in length, piercing through the skin into the abscess.  Draining the pus out through the incision, the surgeon washes the wound with fluids containing antibiotics and other medication.  A rubber drain is left in place to drain away any remaining pus.  After intra abdominal surgery, X-rays over the course of 1 to 2 weeks help determine whether the abscess space is reducing in size.  As the space reduces, the surgeon shortens the drainage tube until the wound is completely gone.  The wound typically heals within 5 to 6 days.  The tube and skin around it should be kept dry at all times.   

Patients receiving intra abdominal surgery for an abscess may be attached to a drip for the procedure.  They are generally able to leave their beds the day after the operation.  A catheter in the bladder may be necessary until the patient has regained full mobility.  Most patients require plenty of rest for 1 to 2 months post surgery.  Driving and sexual intercourse is often possible after approximately 3 weeks.  Patients may resume regular activity after 1 month, but may not be able to resume heavy labor until 2 or more months have passed. Â