Factors Associated with Surgical Treatment Outcome of Psoas Muscle Abscess

Background: Psoas abscess is a rare condition but one with potential for severe morbidity. Many factors may be implicated in the treatment outcome of the condition and efforts must be directed to identify, understand and control the factors for a better prognosis.

Objective: To identify the factors associated with surgical treatment outcome of psoas muscle abscess.

Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted upon a sample of 58 patients (chosen via non-probability, consecutive sampling) scheduled for surgical treatment for psoas muscle abscess (aged 18 to 60 years) at department of General Surgery at Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad & Jamshoro. All the patients underwent surgical treatment. The data was recorded via pre-structured questionnaire comprising of inquiries pertaining to socio-demographic details, presenting complaints, and factors association with surgical treatment outcome (in terms of resolution of abscess cavity). Data was analyzed via SPSS version 20.

Results: Mean age of study subjects was 37.6 ± 12.5 years. Out of all 72.4% were males and 27.5% were females. Most common presentation of patients was pain in flanks, followed by fever. The commonest etiological factor was tuberculosis (TB) and consequently spinal (TB) was the most common. Resolution of abscess cavity was noted among 77.5% of the cases with a greater proportion of recovery falling in line non- tuberculous etiology.

Conclusions: After careful consideration, it can be concluded that secondary psoas muscle and that with tuberculous etiology have a poorer surgical outcome, thus greater care and more effective surgical techniques may be employed to achieve complete resolution of abscess.