Publication:

Liver abscess: study of etiological factors and different treatment modalities and their clinical implications

Background Hepatic abscess (HA) can be defined as an encapsulated collection of suppurative material within the liver parenchyma, which may be infected by bacterial, fungal, and/or parasitic micro-organisms. The development of new radiologic techniques, the improvement in microbiologic identification, and the advancement of drainage techniques, as well as improved supportive care, have reduced mortality to 5-30%. The study is undertaken to study the etiology and the impact of the modern methods of treatment on the morbidity and mortality on the different types of liver abscess..

Methods This study was a Prospective Study conducted from July 2016 to September 2018. Participation in the study was purely voluntary.

Results Majority of the patients (29%) were in the age group of 31-40 years with a male preponderance (91%). Diabetes mellitus was a common comorbidity in study subjects. Alcohol consumption was found as a significant risk factor in the development of liver abscess. Sixty eight (68%) patients underwent percutaneous needle aspiration and 27 (27%) patients were managed conservatively. Five (5%) patients required surgical intervention. Four (4%) patients died while 97 (97%) patients survived; 3 (3%) patients had undergone surgery while 1 (1%) patient was percutaneously drained.

Conclusions The most common age group affected by liver abscess was third and fifth decade of life . Males are more commonly affected than females. In case of larger (>5 cm) or 150 ml, Ultrasound guided percutaneous pigtail catheter drainage is a superior therapeutic approach than percutaneous needle aspiration. Surgical intervention is reserved for unresponsive cases.