Treatment of Abdominal Abscesses With or Without Fibrinolysis

Treatment of Abdominal Abscesses With or Without Fibrinolysis

The objective of this study is to evaluate the utility of fibrinolysis when draining an abdominal abscess as defined by length of stay after drainage.

The hypothesis is that fibrinolysis of a abscess will shorten hospital stay compared to drainage alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients under age 18 found to have an abscess in their abdomen related to perforated appendicitis that requires a drain either prior to or after appendectomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with known immune deficiency per medical record review
• Patients with another condition affecting surgical decision making or recovery
• Patients with drain unable to be placed