Summary

The authors present a case of splenic abscess rupture postappendicectomy. Splenic abscess is rare with a reported incidence of 0.05%–0.7%. It is extremely unusual for a splenic abscess to result in splenic rupture. Contiguous spread, in this case from postappendix perforation, can cause splenic abscess formation. Postemergency splenectomy, the patient required admission to intensive therapy unit for 5 days but made a good postoperative recovery. This case is important to report as this is a rare postoperative complication of generalised peritonitis and this case highlights that astute diagnosis and management of the deteriorating surgical patient and rapid mobilisation of theatre are lifesaving.