Gluteal abscess post intramuscular Injection: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Gluteal abscess formation following intramuscular injection is quite frequent in our part of the world. Various factors may be attributed to this abscess formation, like improper technique and inadequate aseptic precautions, the thick fat pad in the dorsogluteal region compared to needle size and patient comorbidities like diabetes and immunosuppression.

Material and methods:  We conducted a retrospective study from various centers over two years (February 2018 to January 2020) of patients presenting with gluteal abscess post intramuscular injection to study the burden of disease, its causes and management.

Results:  we received a total of 127 patients. The mean age of patients was 39.61 years. The majority of the patients in our study were females (61.42%) compared to males (38.58%). Most of the patients in the study were from rural areas (67.71%). Thirty-one patients (24.40%) in the study group had diabetes. Two patients (1.57%) were on adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy following surgeries for malignancy. In most patients,118(92.91%) management was by open incision drainage of the abscess under local or regional anesthesia. In most of the cases (55.90%), the injection was administered by a local paramedic practicing in the vicinity of the respective patients. In 12 (9.44%), the injection was administered by a relative or a friend of the patient. In 36 (28.34%) patients, the injection was given by a trained nurse in a hospital, while in only eight patients (6.29%), the injection was administered by a doctor.

Conclusion: Gluteal abscess post intramuscular injection is quite common despite advances in antiseptic techniques. Most of the cases are due to the lack of experience and improper training of Para-medical personnel. The optimum treatment is incision drainage of the abscess, having a high success rate and very low recurrence.