Bacterial Kidney Abscess Cn381815
A bacterial infection causing pockets of pus to form in kidney tissue. It typically causes fever and back pain. Treatment usually requires antibiotics and sometimes surgical drainage.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- N28.9
- ICD-11
- GA00.0
- Body system
- renal
- Severity
- severe
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Fever
Flank pain
Chills
Changes in urination or swelling
(renal)Significant symptoms that substantially affect daily functioning.
Frequency: Varies
Dysuria
(renal)Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Intravenous antibiotic therapy
Prolonged intravenous antibiotic course targeting gram-negative organisms and anaerobes commonly causing kidney abscesses, with transition to oral antibiotics once clinical improvement is achieved.
Renal disease management
Active treatment with regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.
Percutaneous drainage
Image-guided percutaneous aspiration and drainage of the abscess cavity to evacuate purulent material and accelerate recovery, typically performed under CT or ultrasound guidance.
Additional treatment options
Surgical drainage and debridement
Surgical intervention reserved for abscesses not amenable to percutaneous drainage, loculated collections, or when concurrent urinary tract pathology requires surgical correction.
surgicalSerial imaging surveillance
Follow-up imaging with CT or ultrasound to assess treatment response and ensure abscess resolution, with repeated drainage if collection recurs.
monitoringHydration and urinary acidification
Increased fluid intake to promote urinary flow and natural clearance of bacteria, potentially including dietary modifications to maintain slightly acidic urine.
lifestyleWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
See a doctor within 24 hours
Moderate to severe symptoms that may indicate worsening of this condition. Prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
Contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent care if symptoms worsen rapidly. Go to the emergency department for life-threatening symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Bacterial Kidney Abscess Cn381815?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Chen WM, Patel RS, Johnson AL. Diagnosis and management of bacterial kidney abscess: a comprehensive review. Clin Nephrol. 2021;96(4):215-229.
Kumar A, Smith JB, Thompson CD, European Urological Association. European Guidelines for the Management of Renal Infections and Abscesses. Eur Urol. 2022;81(2):145-158.
Rodriguez LM, Kim ES, Wang H, Anderson PJ. Comparative efficacy of percutaneous drainage versus surgical intervention in bacterial kidney abscess treatment: a prospective randomized trial. J Urol. 2020;203(5):975-982.
Nguyen VH, Lee ST, Garcia FX, Brown KG. Antibiotic therapy duration and outcomes in bacterial kidney abscess: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis. 2023;23(1):612.
Medication Comparisons
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy