Retroperitoneal Abscess Simulating Abdominal Mass in a Child

Retroperitoneal abscess may simulate other abdominal masses. A 2-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain and lump in right iliac fossa for the last one week. Investigations revealed a mass extending from pelvis up to right sub-hepatic region. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed an unremarkable peritoneal cavity, except that ascending colon up to hepatic flexure was elevated suggestive of retroperitoneal mass. A small flank incision was then made and abscess was drained.