Background: Liver abscess is one of the most common condition associated with right upper abdominal Pain and fever. The introduction of Ultrasound guided percutaneous interventions have led to a reduction in morbidity and mortality compared to open surgery. In this study we compared the two most common percutaneous interventions i.e., between percutaneous needle aspiration (PNA) and pigtail catheter drainage (PCD) in outcomes.

Methods: A study was conducted in 60 patients admitted to KIMS hospital, Bengaluru between August 2017-December 2018.patients were divided into two randomised groups 1) PNA and 2) PCD. All interventions were performed under ultrasound guidance.

The success rate was measured in terms of clinical improvement, reduction in abscess cavity and need for redo-procedure.

Results: The success rate is higher with the pigtail catheter than compared to the percutaneous needle aspiration in terms of clinical Improvement and reduction in abscess cavity and need for redo-procedure.

Conclusion: From the study we can conclude that pigtail catheter is better modality of treatment for partially liquefied abscess or full liquified abscess when compared to percutaneous needle aspiration.

Keywords: PNA=Percutaneous Needle Aspiration, PCD=Pigtail Catheter Drainage.

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Dr Sachin K G

Junior Resident, Department of General Surgery, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru