Surgical management of pyogenic liver abscess

A. Önder, M. Kapan, A. Böyük, M. Gümüs, G. Tekbas*, S. Girgin, I.H. Taçyildiz

Department of General Surgery and *Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir (Turkey)

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• Surgery

Abstract. – Background and Aim: Although Pyogenic Liver Abscess (PLA) has lower mortality rate in recent years due to the broad spectrum antibiotic usage, developed imaging techniques and improved intensive care services, it is still a potentially fatal disease. The objective of this study is to examine the treatment methods and our case load with the current literature.

Materials and Methods: Of 55 patients with PLA, between January 2000 and December 2009, records of 28 who received surgical drainage treatment have retrospectively been analysed.

Results: Nineteen (67.9%) of the patients were male, while 9 (32.1%) were female. Average age was 41.07 (15-76). Seven (25%) had associated disease. The most common symptoms were fever and abdominal pain. Twenty three (82.1%) patients had single and 5 (17.9%) had multiple cavitary lesion. Nineteen (67.9%) patients had abscess on the right and 7 (25%) had on the left one, while 2 (7.1%) had on both lobes. All were treated surgically, because of 11 (39.3%) inappropriate localization for percutaneous treatment, 6 (21.5%) insufficient percutaneous drainage, 6 (21.5%) intraabdominal free rupture and 5 (17.7%) multiple cavitary lesion. We observed 5 pulmonary complications, 5 wound infections and 2 perihepatic collections. The average hospital stay was 11.2 days. We observed only two deaths (7.1%).

Conclusions: Surgical treatment is the sole option for the patients with PLA who; (a) can’t be treated by percutaneous drainage or had an unsuccessful one, (b) have multiple abscess cavity, (c) are thought to have perforated abscess, (d) have additional abdominal pathology requiring laparatomy.

Corresponding Author: Akin Onder, MD; e-mail: draonder@gmail.com