Assessment of the Effectiveness of Various Management Strategies in the Management of Liver Abscess: An Observational Study

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Abstract (English)

Abstract
Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate effectiveness of various management
strategies in the management of liver abscess.
Material & methods: The present study was carried out in the Department of General Surgery,
Netaji Subhas Medical College and Hospital, Bihta, Patna, Bihar, India for the period of 12
months. Total number of patients was 200 included in this study with the diagnosis of liver
abscess admitted in the surgery ward. It was an Observational, Prospective and Retrospective
study.
Results: Highest incidence was noted in age group of 51-60 years (32%) with a mean age of
48.82 years. Out of total 200 cases, 160 patients were male and 20 patients were female. Out
of 200 patients 160 patients had liver abscess cavity of size 51-500cc (80%) followed by 20
patients who had <50 cc size cavity. Out of 200 cases 60 patients were treated with
percutaneous needle aspiration with 16G metallic needle, 40 patients were treated with
Percutaneous pigtail catheterisation, 20 patients were treated conservatively whereas 20
patients required surgical drainage. In the present study we can observe that 35 of 60 cases had
volume aspirated between the range of 51-150 cc which correlates to high no of patients with
residual liver abscess less than 20 cc (25 of 60 cases). 30 of 60 cases (50%) were treated with
a single aspiration along with antibiotics. 25 of 60 cases (41.66%) required second aspiration
attempt. 3 of 60 cases required three attempts of aspiration and only 2 cases required fourth
attempt of aspiration.
Conclusion: The present study concluded that conservative treatment with only intravenous
antibiotics can be done for liver abscess with size less than or equal to 5 cm and volume less
than 50 CC. Percutaneous needle aspiration is the best treatment modality for liver abscess
measuring 5 10 cm, Percutaneous pigtail catheter drainage is a choice of treatment for large
cavity size more than 10 cm and abscess having thick unliquified pus