Abstract
Seven patients with pancreatic abscess are presented. In four the abscess developed after upper abdominal operations of which three involved splenectomy. Three patients had gall stones. The clinical picture was that of abdominal pain, distension and fever, and laboratory tests suggested pancreatitis and/or sepsis. Routine X-ray was useful, but could not differentiate pancreatic from subphrenic abscess. In one case gallium scanning was helpful, establishing the diagnosis and locating the abscess precisely. Surgical treatment included extensive debridement and prolonged drainage. Morbidity was prolonged and re-operation was necessary in four of the seven patients. Three patients died of the disease and four recovered after a prolonged and stormy course. The difficulty in establishing an early diagnosis is the probable cause of the continuing high morbidity and mortality of pancreatic abscess.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 148-150+188 |
Journal | Harefuah |
Volume | 95 |
Issue number | 5-6 |
State | Published - 1978 |
Externally published | Yes |