Empyema thoracis presented as giant back abscess

Empyema thoracis (ET) is defined as pus in the pleural space, either localized or involving the entire pleural cavity, due to diverse etiologies. In severe form, it may infiltrate the extra- pulmonary region. Clinical guideline describes 3 stages of parapneumonic effusion before developing into an ET, namely the exudative stage, the fibrinopurulent stage, and the orga- nizing/late stage. We highlight a 59-year-old gentleman who presented a back swelling masquerading as a deep-seated abscess, in which the diagnosis of ET had not been established early. The principles of treatment are treating the underlying condition such as pneumonia, pleural drainage and debridement, full re-expansion of the collapsed lung by performing chest physiotherapy, and improving nutrition. ET is a condition with a dynamic process due to diverse etiologies, either localized or involving the entire pleural cavity. The gold standard in diagnosing ET is the pleural aspiration of fluid from the pleural space, whereas the management of ET may include non-surgical and/or surgical treatments based on the basic principles of ET treatment

Holes can be perilous: A rare presentation of intestinal obstruction - Herniation through the broad ligament

A 57-year-old lady presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction preceded by a 2-day history of lower abdomen pain. Clinically, she had a distended abdomen with tenderness in her lower abdomen. Laboratory investigations were unremarkable. An abdominal radiograph showed a dilated small bowel with no extensive bowel gas. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed suspected intestinal obstruction secondary to herniation into the right broad ligament. The decision was made to proceed with surgery, and the intraoperative results confirmed the CT results. The literature review is outlined here, and this instance illustrates a surprising discovery