Splenic abscess: treatment options in a disease with high mortality

Background Spleen abscess is a rare and serious condition. Splenectomy and imaging-guided percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) are the methods used in the treatment, but there is still a debate about the appropriate treatment for the patient. Methods The results of 16 patients treated for spleen abscesses in our clinic between 2012 and 2021 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to splenectomy and PCD. Results In the study, PCD was performed in 11 patients (68.75%), but three of these patients required splenectomy due to inadequate drainage. The patients who underwent splenectomy were significantly younger than the patients who underwent PCD (p < 0.05). One patient underwent PCD and 2 patients underwent splenectomy after PCD died. Conclusion Spleen abscess is a serious clinical picture that requires a multidisciplinary approach and is life-threatening. New clinical studies are needed for a treatment algorithm that will provide good results.