Psoas Abscess (Presentation; Assessment and Management)

Abstract

This study was done in North surgical ward at Mayo Hospital during the period between January 2000 to January 2002. The objective e of the study was to know the presentation of psoas abscess in emergency and out patient department, its assessment and management in our general surgical unit during 24 months period 12 patients were discovered to have a psoas abscess. 8 of 12 cases were secondary to spinal tuberculosis, renal pyonephrosis and colonic adenocarcinoma. 4 cases appeared to be primary collection. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose and treat the condition promptly, in order to minimize the significant morbidity and mortality. Radiological guided percutaneous aspiration is often successful in treating primary collection but open drainage is usually in secondary cases.