RADIOLOGICAL APPROACH TO DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF SUBPHRENIC ABSCESS

Post laparotomy subphrenic abscess is a surgeonʹs nightmare. Mortality due to these abscesses is relatively high compared to other post-op. complications. It can be significantly reduced by early diagnosis and management. Ultrasonography (USG) guided drainage without reopening has given surgeonʹs a sigh of relief. In this studyf 30 cases of subphrenic abscess (SPA) were diagnosed and 23 drained successfully. Other routine procedures to diagnose SPA did not prove superior to USG, however in left sided SPA a conventional radiograph of abdomen was equally useful. USG allows rapid diagnosis with minimal requirements and simple approach for management.