Background: Splenic abscess is a rare complication following Sleeve Gastrectomy.
Methods: We performed a systematic review to clarify its clinical significance, presentation, and management. PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Library were searched up to the 19th of July 2020.
Results: A total of 18 patients were included, of which 11 were female, and 7 were male. The mean age was 34.1 ± 12.3 years, and the mean body mass index was 45.8 ± 7.6 kg/m2. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was reported in 11.1% of patients, and hypertension in 22.2%. Fever was the most common presenting symptom seen in 17 (94.4%) patients, followed by abdominal pain in 10 (55.6%). The mean duration from surgery to presentation was 98.6 ± 132.7 days (range 10 -547 days). Computed Tomography was used for investigations in 17/18 (94.4%) patients. Seven patients had reported leak, three reported bleeding, and 2 reported pleural effusion. 13 patients had unilocular abscess. All patients were treated with antibiotics. 4 patients needed Total Parenteral Nutrition, and three were given Proton Pump Inhibitor. In total, 11 patients needed percutaneous drainage as a part of treatment and 11 patients needed total splenectomy, and 1 needed partial splenectomy.
Conclusion: Splenic abscess following sleeve gastrectomy is a rare identity. The etiology of formation of splenic abscess needs further studies. A computed tomography of the abdomen with contrast is the preferred diagnostic tool. There is no gold standard treatment for splenic abscess.