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Postoperative intra-abdominal abscess — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Postoperative intra-abdominal abscessUSMLE Step 3

A 58-year-old man is on postoperative day 5 after sigmoid colectomy. He has fever, worsening abdominal pain, and tachycardia. Examination shows diffuse tenderness. WBC count is 18,000/mm3. CT abdomen shows a pelvic fluid collection with air-fluid level near the anastomosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Broad-spectrum antibiotics and percutaneous drainage

A postoperative intra-abdominal abscess requires source control with drainage plus broad-spectrum antibiotics when feasible.

Reference: Surgical Infection Society guidance; USMLE Step 3 Content Outline