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The New Epidemiology

Samuel M. S. Wang, MD; Samuel E. Wilson, MD

Arch Surg. 1977;112(8):934-936.

Abstract
• Recent changes in the etiology, topography, and bacteriology of subphrenic abscess are identified in 93 patients treated between 1955 and 1975. Gastric and biliary tract operations account for 52% of abscesses. Appendicitis is now responsible for only 8% of subphrenic infections, in contrast with the 40% of previous reports. Colonic surgery (19%) and trauma (8%) are increasing in importance. Left-sided abscesses occur in 40%, and multiple space abscesses in 20% of patients. The bacterial flora consists of multiple strains of aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Since 1970, the aerobes have been Escherichia coli (96%), Klebsiella (21%), and Proteus (38%); anaerobes include Bacteroides (83%), cocci (50%), and clostridia (50%). The mean interval from the preceding operation until drainage of the subphrenic abscess was 5.5 weeks. Overall mortality was 31%, with higher mortalities for multiple space involvement (39%) and for abscesses developing after emergency procedures (35%). Recommendations based on this data are: (1) antibiotics selected should be effective against anaerobes, and (2) transperitoneal drainage is frequently indicated because of the increase in multiple abscesses and the need to evaluate the first operation.

(Arch Surg 112:934-936, 1977)

Author Affiliations
From the Surgical and Research Services, Veterans Administration Wadsworth Hospital Center, Los Angeles (Drs Wang and Wilson) and the Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine (Dr Wilson).

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Feb 16, 1977.

Read before the annual meeting of the Southern California Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, Palm Springs, Calif, Jan 15, 1977.

Reprint requests to Surgical Service, VA Wadsworth Hospital Center (691/112K), Los Angeles, CA 90073 (Dr Wilson).

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