Antibiotic Therapy Versus Percutaneous Drainage for Postoperative Intra-abdominal Abscess Measuring 2 to 4 cm After Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Does the Size Matter?

BACKGROUND

Postoperative intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) is the most feared complication after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). The management of IAA measuring 2 to 4 cm remains controversial. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment versus percutaneous drainage for the treatment of IAA measuring 2 to 4 cm following LA.

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients with post-appendectomy IAA measuring 2 to 4 cm from January 2006 to April 2024 was included for analysis. The patient cohort was divided into 2 groups according to the treatment modality: antibiotic therapy alone (ATB) versus computed tomography-guided percutaneous drainage (PERC). The primary outcome was to compare the success rate between groups. Secondary endpoints included overall and major complications, length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and mortality.

RESULTS

During the study period, 2700 LA were performed, and 123 (4.5%) patients developed an IAA. Of these, 47 (38%) measured 2 to 4 cm: 25 (53%) received antibiotics only (ATB), and 22 (47%) underwent percutaneous drainage (PERC). The success rates were comparable between groups (ATB: 92% vs. PERC: 95.4%, P=0.6). Patients who failed conservative management in both groups underwent laparoscopic lavage without further complications. No readmissions, morbidity or mortality were observed. The mean LOS was longer in the PERC group (ATB: 2.0 vs. PERC: 3.5 d, P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic therapy and percutaneous drainage are both highly effective for treating IAA measuring 2 to 4 cm following LA. Given the less invasive nature of antibiotic therapy with shorter length of stay, it should be considered the initial treatment of choice.