Pattern of abscesses at civil hospital, Karachi

ABSTRACT

To study the pattern of abscesses at Civil Hospital, Karachi. Descriptive study from March 2003 to August 2004.Emergency Operation Theatre, Civil Hospital, Karachi.The data of all patients who presented with abscesses was collected and analyzed.Out of 537 patients who underwent drainage of abscesses, 327 were males and 210 females, with a male to female ratio of 1.561. Their ages ranged from 1 to 80 years with a mean age of 33.08 years. Diabetes mellitus was found in 75[13.96%] patients with a male to female ratio of 2.571. The most common site of abscess was the hand [17.31%] followed by breast [16.38%], anorectal region [13.96%] and foot [12.84%]. The common presenting complaints were pain, swelling and fever. All were treated by drainage with satisfactory outcome.Abscesses are the 2nd most common cause of emergency surgery at Civil Hospital, Karachi, the commonest cause being appendicitis