Post-appendectomy pelvic abscess with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing : A case report and review of literature.

Background: Appendicitis, the inflammation of the appendix, is the most common abdominal surgical emergency requiring expedient surgical intervention. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are bacterial enzymes that catalyse the degradation of the beta-lactam ring of penicillins and cephalosporins (but without carbapenemase activity), leading to resistance of these bacteria to beta-lactam antibiotics. Recent increases in incidence of ESBL-producing bacteria have caused alarm worldwide. Proportion estimates of ESBL-Enterobacteriaceae hover around 46% in China, 42% in East Africa, 12% in Germany, and 8% in the United States.

Case Summary: The impact of ESBL-producing bacteria on appendiceal abscesses and consequent pelvic abscesses are yet to be examined in depth. A literature review using the search words "appendiceal abscesses" and "ESBL ()" revealed very few cases involving ESBL in any capacity in the context of appendiceal abscesses. This report describes the clinical aspects of a patient with appendicitis who developed a postoperative pelvic abscess infected with ESBL-producing . In this report, we discuss the risk factors for contracting ESBL infection in appendicitis and post-appendectomy pelvis abscesses. We also discuss our management approach for post-appendectomy ESBL pelvic abscesses, including drainage, pathogen identification, and pathogen characterisation. When ESBL is confirmed, carbapenem antibiotics should be promptly administered, as was done efficaciously with this patient. Our report is the first one in a developed country involving ESBL related surgical complications in association with a routine laparoscopic appendectomy.

Conclusion: Our report is the first involving ESBL and appendiceal abscesses, and that too consequent to laparoscopic appendectomy.