title: Occult abdominal wall peristomal abscess following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.
abstract: This case report describes the complication of peristomal abscess formation associated with the insertion of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The formation of a peristomal anterior abdominal wall abscess in this patient was associated with the failure to give prophylactic antibiotics. The development of this potentially fatal complication may be avoided by strict observance of insertion protocols. This case was treated by removal of the gastrostomy tube after diagnosis which allowed drainage of the abscess. In similar cases of occult abscess formation, where symptoms are present but signs are absent, ultrasonography may be useful in diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Central Middlesex Hospital, Acton Lane, London, UK.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Payne-James
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bray
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Rana
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Rees
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Silk