Primary Anterior Abdominal Wall Abscess

Introduction: Abscess can be intra peritoneal, extraperitoneal, retroperitoneal or in the abdominal wall. Abdominal wall abscesses are generally seen in diabetics, immunocomprised or as a sequelae of cutaneous tuberculosis.

Observation: A 50-year-old nondiabetic non hypertensive male presented in the outpatient department with chief complaint of swelling in the left upper abdomen since 3 months. The swelling progressively increased in size and was associated with feeling of heaviness and discomfort. There was no history of fever, malaise, loss of appetite. There was no history of trauma. Serology for HIV infection was negative. Hydatid cyst agglutination tests were also negative. Ultrasonography of the abdominal wall showed a cystic lesion in subcutaneous plane. CT scan abdomen showed cystic lesion in subcutaneous plane with thick material. FNAC showed features of abscess. Incision and drainage was done and pus was sent for culture. No growth was obtained. Patient underwent dressings daily for 1 week with metronidazole locally. Patient recovered uneventfully and remained in follow-up for a month.

Conclusion: Primary abdominal wall abscess is diagnosed once other factors that can lead to abscesses secondarily are ruled out. Treatment is antibiotics and drainage.