Overview

A liver abscess is an important health concern in tropical countries. Liver abscesses are most commonly due to pyogenic, amebic or mixed infections. Less commonly these may be fungal in origin. Effective management of liver abscesses includes appropriate antibiotics and drainage of the abscess cavity. Percutaneous abscess drainage by pigtail catheterization is now gaining popularity. We analyzed the role of pigtail catheter drainage over percutaneous aspiration in the treatment of liver abscesses.

Retrospective analytical study conducted in a tertiary care center in Mandya. Patients of age ≥ 18 years admitted with the diagnosis of liver abscess were included in this study. Data was analyzed in two groups: Group A (Percutaneous needle aspiration), and Group B (Pigtail catheter drainage).

The catheter drainage group showed significantly better recovery. The patients in pigtail catheter drainage group showed earlier clinical improvement  and 50% decrease in abscess cavity volume  as compared to those who underwent percutaneous needle aspiration or conservative management.

Percutaneous pigtail catheterization would be an operative decision for the management of liver abscess. Percutaneous catheter drainage is a better modality especially in larger abscesses which are partially liquefied or with thick pus.  

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Adithi S Rao

Department of General Surgery, Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya – 571401