Management of liver abscess

Abstract

Introduction:- Liver abscess is a common disease in Pakistan associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis offers the best chance of cure. This was a hospital based study from January 1999 to February 2001. Objective:- To compare the results of different modalities available to treat the liver abscess. Secondly to find out which type of liver abscess is common in our region. Material and methods:- Fifty patients of liver abscess were studied they were divided into three groups according to the size of the liver abscess (in group-I, 22 patients, in group-II, 25 patients, and inn group-III (3+2) patients. Results:- Amoebic liver abscess was diagnosed in 45 cases (90%) and Pyogenic in 5 cases (10%). Maximum patients of group-I were treated by conservative treatment. Group-II patients with minimal invasive surgery and group-III were treated with open surgical treatment. Amoebic liver abscess was found in 45 cases (90%) and Pyogenic in 5 cases (10%). After amoebis serological test and fluid examination for culture (aerobic, anaerobic, gramstaining) and colour of the fluid anchovy sauce in amoebic. Conclusion:- Delay in the diagnosis / treatment increases the severity of disease and difficulty in management. The patient can be managed easily by medical treatment when present early.