Intra Abdominal Infection: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

An intra-abdominal infection is known as pus and a pocket of infected fluid located inside the abdominal cavity (belly). In some cases, there may be several infections. Conditions like Entamoeba histolytica (parasite intestinal infection), inflammatory bowel disease, ruptured intestinal diverticulum, ruptured appendix, or other condition. Risk factors involve a history of perforated ulcer disease, a surgery that might have infected the abdomen, appendicitis, or diverticulus. Symptoms of this condition include distention and abdominal pain, weakness, vomiting, nausea, lack of appetite, chills, diarrhea, rectal tenderness and many more.

A CT scan is required to examine the abdomen and reveal the intra-abdominal infection. Other tests may comprise of an ultrasound or x-ray of the abdomen. Treatment for intra abdominal infection requires either drainage or antibiotics given through an IV. Drainage is the process of placing a needle through the skin under the x-ray guidance. Until the abscess completely goes away, the drain is left in the particular place for days or weeks. Usually, abscesses cannot be safely drained. In those cases, a surgery under general anesthesia (pain-free and unconscious) is considered. This surgery involves cutting the abdomen (belly area) and then draining and cleaning the abscess. Until the abdominal infection goes away, the drain remains in the abscess cavity. It is very important to identify the cause of abscess and then treat it.

CT-guided drainage is known to delineate the infection cavity and provide a safe access for percutaneous drainage. It also blocks the possibility of injury to blood vessels or adjacent viscera when performed by an experienced physician. Initially, a diagnostic needle aspiration is carried out to confirm the presence of infection and pus, which makes culture and gram staining possible. Furthermore, a large-bore catheter is placed inside the most dependent position. Patients who are critically ill can improve their hemodynamics and control sepsis by receiving an initial percutaneous drainage before definitive surgery (if necessary). Also, to make a bowel anastomosis and single-stage resection possible, a peridiverticular abscess must be drained by an initial catheter drainage mechanism. This further avoids multiple-stage procedures. CT-guided aspiration is most valuable in distinguishing between a visualized collection which is either infected or sterile (eg, bile, hematoma). After the drainage process, clininal improvement must be visible within 48-72 hours. If there is lack of improvement within this period, there may a requirement to repeat CT to check if there are additional infections. Surgical drainage may become crucial if residual fluid is not evacuated with additional drain placement, manipulation, or irrigation. Percutaneous drainage is 90% effective in patients with a single unilocular infection with no internal communication.

Anyone who is overweight, has a normal weight and has a normal body mass index is eligible for a weight loss diet counseling treatment. In some cases, diabetics or people with high blood pressure may also be eligible for this treatment.

Anyone who is underweight, has some untreated medical condition or has low insurance coverage is not eligible for the surgical treatment.

There are rarely any side effects in adults and even if there are, it may last only for a week or two. In case of aged adults or very young children, there is more vulnerability and exposure to bacteria and virus. The side effects of constant medication and hospitalization include, muscle pain, fevers, bowel movement obstruction and many more. Some bacterial infection may also lead to kidney failure, anemia, and intestinal bleeding.

The post treatment guidelines are recommendations by doctors to carry out proper management by preventing and controlling the outbreaks. Hospital based infection control programs are there to help lessen the chances of infection. Antibiotic stewardship is the most recommended method to reduce the risk factors of infection. Patients must be monitored for symptoms of carbolic state or malnutrition. If indicated, parenteral or eternal electrolytes, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins, and amino acids should be supplemented. Oral rehydration is a time consuming job in gastroenteritis that requires vigilance. In young infants or children the caretaker must keep the child hydrated at all times. In case of older patients, careful observation is a must as they may have many other health conditions too.

It is a known fact that your abdominal condition is the most contagious and exposed during the first 48 hours. Even after that, the virus might remain in your stool for two to three weeks. With proper diet and medical care, a patient is likely to recover within 3 weeks.

The cost of treatment for intra-abdominal infection may vary depending upon the seriousness of the infection. During the onset of infection, the cost may range between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000. In case the situation becomes critical and surgery is needed the cost may range between Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 2,50,000.

Generally, the drainage is proven successful in treating the abdominal infection that has not yet spread. There is a possibility of abscess return, rupture of an abscess, widespread abdomen infection and bloodstream infection. If the diet plan and the exercise routine are sternly adhered to, there is a high possibility that the results of the treatment may be permanent. In case the patient does not follow these rules instructed by the doctor, the infection may reoccur and cause more damage to the abdomen.

There are various alternative treatment methods such as the home remedies which are convenient as well as cost effective. Ginger (Zingiber oficinale) is a famous and easily obtainable herb which has been proven beneficial to treat bowel infection as it heals the intestinal lining by reducing inflammation. Another exceptional remedy to treat infections is to have chamomile tea. The herb in it is known to treat abdominal infections.