Splenic abscess following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a case report of a rare disease and a review of its management

Splenic abscess is a rare disease that has several predisposing factors. Case reports have documented post-surgical development of splenic abscesses, most commonly after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. We present the case of a 69-year-old female with gallstone pancreatitis who underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The hospital course was complicated by persistent postoperative leukocytosis with a CT scan demonstrating a moderate sized splenic abscess. Interventional radiology was consulted for percutaneous drainage, and the patient was subsequently discharged home in stable condition. Splenic abscess is an important entity to remember as it is associated with significant mortality. Prompt treatment is vital for improving patient survival. Image guided percutaneous interventions have been increasing used and carry numerous benefits compared to surgical approaches. However, there is a paucity of data comparing the efficacy of percutaneous and surgical therapies. Percutaneous interventions can be successfully performed when the abscess is unilocular/bilocular, has a discrete wall, has no internal septations, or has thin liquid content. Further investigation through multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trials are needed to analyze treatment options.