Renal abscesses in children: an 11-year retrospective study and review of the literature.

Background: There is limited literature on renal abscesses in children and therefore no consensus on management. The objectives of this study were to describe renal abscesses in a contemporary paediatric Australian population and present a 20 year review of the literature.

Methods: An 11 year retrospective comparative study was conducted of paediatric patients with renal abscesses.

Migrating appendicolith: A retained appendicolith causing recurrent infection and migrating to the skin.

A retained appendicolith is an uncommon complication that can arise from appendix rupture and can lead to recurrent abscess formation. We present a case of a retained appendicolith causing recurrent infection over a 12-month period in a paediatric patient. The appendicolith migrated to the left side of the abdomen and then through the abdominal wall into the subcutaneous tissues.

Management of Pediatric Thoracic Empyema in the North Queensland Region of Australia and Impact of a Local Evidence-based Treatment Guideline.

Aim: The North Queensland region of Australia has a high incidence of pediatric thoracic empyema (pTE). We describe the management of empyema at the Townsville University Hospital which is the regional referral center for these children. The impact of a newly developed institutional guideline is also discussed.