Psoas abscess
ICD-10 K68.1 · ICD-11 FB30&XA43E9&XA7DA1

Treatment of Primary Iliopsoas Abscess with No Underlying Disease

Clinical Scenario

This protocol addresses patients presenting with a primary iliopsoas abscess in whom no underlying disease has been identified. Primary iliopsoas abscess is distinguished from the secondary form by the absence of a contiguous source or predisposing systemic condition.

Treatment Approach

Management combines antibiotic therapy with drainage of the abscess. Antistaphylococcal antibiotic coverage is initiated empirically — before culture results return — alongside image-guided drainage of the collection.

The complete protocol specifies the drainage method of choice, antibiotic duration relative to drainage completion, and the full structured decision pathway. Access the regimen below.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.2003.017665

Iliopsoas abscess may be classified as primary or secondary, depending on the presence or absence of underlying disease.

In patients suspected to have primary iliopsoas abscess, antistaphylococcal antibiotics should be started before the culture results.

Treatment involves the use of appropriate antibiotics along with drainage of the abscess.

Drainage of the abscess may be done through computed tomography guided percutaneous drainage (PCD) or surgical drainage.

PCD is much less invasive and has been proposed as the draining method of choice.

Antibiotics are sometimes continued up to two weeks after complete abscess drainage.

View source ↗