Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a gas-producing necrotizing bacterial infection that involves the renal parenchyma and perirenal tissue. It is a life-threatening condition that requires a high index of suspicion, an early diagnosis and an aggressive treatment. Rapid progression to septic shock may occur. We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of obstructive EPN caused by a giant fecaloma. The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage and broad-spectrum antibiotics, in addition to fecaloma evacuation using fleet enemas and oral laxatives. This shows how fecal impaction, a common pathology in routine clinical practice, can cause some serious complications if left untreated, including extrinsic ureteral compression.
Prostatic abscess (PA) is an uncommon disorder that mainly affects diabetic and immunocompromised patients. It requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis since it can clinically mimic acute prostatitis. Historically, transurethral drainage along with antimicrobial therapy has been the gold standard therapy. However, advances in imaging modalities have shifted the management of PA to less invasive approaches. Here, we present a case of a large PA drained by the percutaneous transgluteal approach. This access route is a safe, effective, and well tolerated alternative for PA drainage, done under local anesthesia and providing a relatively cleaner approach than transrectal or transperineal drainage, allowing easier and better catheter fixation as well. This article illustrates the different steps of the procedure and reviews the literature on PA management.
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