[Splenic abscess secondary to xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis].

OBJECTIVE

We report another case of splenic abscess after nephrectomy, a condition which must be considered in the differential diagnosis of post-operative fever.

METHODS/RESULTS: A 20-year-old man presented with lumbar pain and fever. A diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis was made and he was treated by subcapsular nephrectomy. Thirty days later the patient presented with a lumbar fistula from a splenic abscess and was treated by splenectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Fistulas and abscesses are more common after nephrectomy for xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. In our view, the subcapsular approach is an additional risk factor for the foregoing complications.