Learn About Perirenal Abscess
Perirenal abscess is a pocket of pus around one or both kidneys. It is caused by an infection.
Perinephric abscess
Most perirenal abscesses are caused by a urinary tract infection that starts in the bladder. It then spreads to the kidney, and to the area around the kidney. Surgery in the urinary tract or reproductive system or a bloodstream infection can also lead to a perirenal abscess.
The biggest risk factor for perirenal abscess is kidney stones, which may block urine flow. This provides a place for an infection to grow. Bacteria tend to stick to the stones and antibiotics cannot kill the bacteria there.
Stones are found in 20% to 60% of people with perirenal abscess. Other risk factors for perirenal abscess include:
- Diabetes
- Having an abnormal urinary tract
- Trauma to the kidney
- Intravenous (IV) drug use
Symptoms of perirenal abscess include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Pain in the flank (side of the abdomen) or abdomen, which may extend to the groin or down the leg
- Sweating
To treat perirenal abscess, the pus can be drained through a catheter that is placed through the skin or with surgery. Antibiotics should also be given, at first through a vein (IV), then can switch to pills when the infection starts improving.
Advocate Medical Group Urology
James Griffin is an Urologist in Elgin, Illinois. Dr. Griffin is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Perirenal Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Perirenal Abscess, Boils, Urinary Tract Infection in Children, Ureteroscopy, and Prostatectomy.
Aurora Urology
Sameer Sharma is an Urologist in Grafton, Wisconsin. Dr. Sharma is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Perirenal Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Perirenal Abscess, Boils, Obstructive Uropathy, Ureteroscopy, and Prostatectomy.
Arnett Clinic, LLC
Daniel Abbott is an Urologist in Lafayette, Indiana. Dr. Abbott is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Perirenal Abscess. His top areas of expertise are Kidney Stones, Boils, Carbuncle, Ureteroscopy, and Prostatectomy. Dr. Abbott is currently accepting new patients.
In general, quick diagnosis and treatment of a perirenal abscess should lead to a good outcome. Kidney stones must be treated to avoid further infections.
In rare cases, the infection can spread beyond the kidney area and into the bloodstream. This can be deadly.
If you have kidney stones, the infection may not go away.
You may need to have the infection surgically removed.
You may have to have the kidney removed if infection cannot be cleared or is recurrent. This is rare.
Contact your provider if you have a history of kidney stones and develop:
- Abdominal pain
- Burning with urination
- Chills
- Fever
- Urinary tract infection
If you have kidney stones, ask your provider about the best way to treat them to avoid a perirenal abscess. If you undergo urologic surgery, keep the surgical area as clean as possible.
Published Date: January 01, 2025
Published By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Nicolle LE. Urinary tract infection in adults. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 36.