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Postoperative abscess — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Postoperative abscessUSMLE Step 3

A 38-year-old man is 9 days after laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. He has fever, malaise, and right lower quadrant pain. CT abdomen shows a 5-cm rim-enhancing fluid collection near the cecum. He is hemodynamically stable. Which of the following is the most appropriate at this time?

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Correct answer: E — Percutaneous drainage plus antibiotics

A stable patient with a drainable postoperative intra-abdominal abscess is treated with source control by percutaneous drainage plus antibiotics.

Reference: Surgical Infection Society intra-abdominal infection guideline