Why are Subphrenic abscesses more common on the right side?
The right side is more common due to the high frequency of ruptured appendices and perforated duodenal ulcers.
What is subphrenic space?
The Subphrenic spaces are “potential spaces” below the diaphragm produced by the peritoneal folds around the liver (figs. The spaces are all intraperitoneal with the exception of the small extraperitoneal compartment between the diaphragm and the bare area of the liver (figs. b and c).
How are Subdiaphragmatic abscess usually diagnosed?
Ultrasound is the least invasive method for confirming the diagnosis, and it is virtually diagnostic when localized fluid collections are demonstrated below the diaphragm. Distended abdominal viscera, such as the colon and stomach, may occasionally elevate one side of the diaphragm.
What is Subphrenic collection?
Subphrenic abscesses represent infected collections bounded above by the diaphragm, and below by the transverse colon and mesocolon, and the omentum. They typically arise from abdominal surgery, trauma, or local inflammation in the space between the liver, intestines, and lungs, making drainage a challenge.
What separates the right and left subphrenic spaces?
The falciform ligament. This separates the right and left subphrenic spaces.
What does subphrenic mean?
Medical Definition of subphrenic : situated or occurring below the diaphragm a subphrenic abscess.
What is a Subdiaphragmatic abscess?
A subdiaphragmatic abscess is an infectious process characterized as a collection of purulent fluid between the diaphragm and the liver or spleen.
Can a subphrenic abscess occur on the left side?
In subphrenic abscess, about half of the patients develop this condition on the right side, a quarter of patients develop it on the left side, and the remaining quarter of patients can experience subphrenic abscess simultaneously on both the sides.
How is a subphrenic abscess treated after surgery?
Treatment for Subphrenic Abscess comprises of draining the abscess and treating the infection with antibiotics. Patient develops subphrenic abscess after any surgery on the abdomen. The pus accumulates under the patient’s diaphragm, which usually spreads from some other location in the abdomen.
What causes a subphrenic abscess in the liver?
Causes of Subphrenic Abscess. A laparotomy procedure during which there was contamination of the peritoneal cavity can cause subphrenic abscess. Any injury or trauma which has ruptured a hollow organ and contaminated the peritoneal cavity leading to formation of subphrenic abscess. Rupture of amoebic liver abscess.
Can a subphrenic abscess be a pleural effusion?
A subphrenic abscessis not a rare cause of unilateral elevation of the diaphragm following abdominal surgery. It is usually accompanied by pleural effusion. Chest radiographs alone may confirm the diagnosis when localized collections of air are demonstrated below the diaphragm (see Fig. 4.2, Aand B).