Abstract
Background: Amoebic Liver Abscess (ALA) is a serious problem in Pakistan. Its management includes antimicrobial drugs, needleaspiration and surgical drainage. Objective: To determine if amoebic liver abscess can be treated conservatively or requires needle aspirationas well in selected cases. Design: a prospective hospital based study Setting: Nishtar Hospital Multan. Period: 18 months. Methods: Thirtysix consecutive adult patients with a right lobe liver abscess were included. All patients received metronidazole 800mg orally for 10-14 daysand were clinically observed. Patients who did not show any clinical improvement in 96 hours had an ultrasound guided needle aspirationperformed. Results & conclusion: Patients having an ALA less than 10 cm in size respond to medical treatment. If patients continue to havetoxic symptoms, needle aspiration should be performed. Most patients having ALA of >10 cm will end up having a needle aspiration but shouldbe given a trial of medical managemen
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