International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health

Aim: To determine the pattern of presentation, etiology, clinical features, and treatment outcome of intra-abdominal abscess in sub-urban Bayelsa Nigeria and suggest possible preventive measures.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital Okolobiri Bayelsa State Nigeria from February 2011 to March 2016.

Methodology: Thirty (30) patients with intra-abdominal abscesses seen at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital Okolobiri Bayelsa State Nigeria within the periods of study, having fulfilled inclusion criteria had their data extracted from case notes and retrospectively analyzed for pattern of presentation, etiology, clinical features, and treatment outcome. Simple descriptive statistics and tables were used to present results. 

Results: There were 18 males and 12 females with mean age of 35, S² = 514.28, SD= 1.01; and the highest incidence was in the age group of 21-40 years, affecting all occupational groups. Forty percent (40%) presented to the hospital after two weeks of onset of illness, and most common cause of intra-abdominal abscess was from ruptured appendix 13 [43.33%].

Conclusion: Outcome in treatment of intra-abdominal abscess continue to be influenced by risk factors which we found from our studies to be late presentation to hospital, delay in diagnosis, and abdominal massage. Urgent public health campaign will help reduce the incidence of visceral perforation and spread of infected materials in peritoneal cavity.