Publication:

Clinical profile of liver abscess in a tertiary referral hospital

Background Liver abscess poses a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and is life threatening if left untreated. Amoebic and Pyogenic liver abscess are the common types. The objective of the study is to assess the clinical profile of liver abscess in patients attending a tertiary referral hospitalMethods: This is a Prospective study carried out in a surgical wards of a tertiary referral hospital from May 2013 to April 2016.

Results Data analysed with percentages. Out of 99 cases (48.5%) were in the age group of 41-50 years. Majority of cases (97.9%) were males. Alcohol intake present in (61.7%) cases. Amoebic abscess was (95%) and pyogenic abscess were (5%). All had abdominal pain (100%). (51.5%) cases had abdominal distension and (57.6%) cases had fever. All (100%) had right hypochondrial pain and intercostal tenderness. (49.5%) cases presented with hepatomegaly. (70.7%) cases were right lobe abscess and (21.2%) cases were ruptured abscess at initial presentation. (91%) cases were amoebic and (9%) cases were pyogenic in etiology. (30.3%) cases were treated with single aspiration, (25.3%) cases by percutaneous catheter drainage, (22.2%) cases underwent laparotomy and drainage, (19.2%) cases were treated by multiple aspiration and (3%) cases by conservative managementConclusions: Liver abscess more common in males with alcohol intake history in age group of 41-50 years. 90% were amoebic and 10% were pyogenic. Commonest symptom was abdominal pain. Right hypochondrial and intercostal tenderness were common signs. Right lobe was commonly involved. Percutaneous aspiration of abscess with antiamoebics and antibiotics forms mainstay of treatment.