Open AccessTwelfth rib resection: a direct posterior surgical approach for subphrenic abscesses
Author(s) -
Bosscha Koop,
Roukema Anne J.,
van Vroonhoven Theo J. M. V.,
van der Werken Christiaan
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
european journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1741-9271
pISSN - 1102-4151
DOI - 10.1080/110241500750009456
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , subphrenic abscess , percutaneous , perforation , abscess , abdomen , empyema , anastomosis , materials science , punching , metallurgy
Objective: To assess the results of twelfth rib resection as a direct posterior surgical approach to subphrenic abscesses in case of failure of percutaneous drainage, abandonment of percutaneous drainage in view of a too high risk of perforation of adjacent organs, or contamination of the pleural space, or an inaccessible abdomen. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: University hospital, The Netherlands. Patients: 17 patients who required rib resection for subphrenic abscesses that developed after infected necrotising pancreatitis, splenectomy, or anastomotic disruption. Interventions: 18 rib resections. Main outcome measures: Outcome and morbidity. Results: Twelfth rib resection was successfully in 13 of 17 patients. Four patients died from multiple organ failure despite subsequent (re) laparotomies for additional surgical drainage. Conclusion: Twelfth rib resection can be useful for the treatment of subphrenic abscesses in selected patients. Copyright © 2000 Taylor and Francis Ltd.