Investigation

Investigation

The modern diagnosis of an abscess is radiological using CT ( Figure 65.10 ). CT imaging can also guide treatment by drain placement or aspiration. Ultrasound is a useful (though non-specific) modality for use in select populations (e.g. paedi atric or pregnant patients). Serial imaging is used to monitor treatment e ffi cacy or disease progression. Radiolabelled white cell scanning may occasionally prove helpful if an abscess is suspected but has not been identified by the above means. Investigation

There is often a leukocytosis of 10 /uni00A0 000–12 /uni00A0 000/ /uni03BC L (10–12 9 ×/uni00A0 10 /L) or more on the first day of the attack, but this falls on the second day . Ultrasonography may be helpful in di ff eren tiating this from appendicitis. Sometimes a CT or exploratory laparoscopy is required. Investigation

A plain film of the abdomen is frequently diagnostic. CT is recommended when planning operative intervention.