Abstract
IntroductionA liver abscess is an important health concern in tropical countries. 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.Methods and materialThis was a retrospective analytical study conducted in a tertiary care center in western India. Patients of age ≥ 18 years admitted with the diagnosis of liver abscess were included in this study. To find the effectiveness of different treatment modalities, data were analyzed in three groups: Group A (Conservative treatment), Group B (Percutaneous needle aspiration), and Group C (Pigtail catheter drainage).ResultsA total of 64 patients with a liver abscess were analyzed. There was male predominance (93.75%). Mean abscess volume in Group C (307.9 ± 212.8 ml) was significantly higher when compared to Group A (130.8 ± 72.9 ml, p = 0.03) and Group B (177.2 ± 129.5; p = 0.024). The duration of hospital stay and residual abscess volume at the time of discharge did not show a statistically significant difference between treatment groups. Pigtail catheterization of abscesses with volume >150 ml shortened the hospital stay, whereas it prolonged the hospital stay in patients with abscess volume <150 ml.ConclusionPercutaneous pigtail catheterization would be an operative decision for the management of liver abscess. We concluded that the use of pigtail catheterization of patients with abscess volume > 150 ml improved the clinical outcome.
Highlights
A liver abscess is an important health concern in tropical countries
We concluded that the use of pigtail catheterization of patients with abscess volume > 150 ml improved the clinical outcome
This study focused on the role of Pigtail catheter drainage (PCD) with regards to the volume of abscess at hospitalization and discharge and the need for antimicrobial therapy in the management of liver abscesses
Summary
Patients of age ≥ 18 years admitted with the diagnosis of liver abscess were included in this study. To find the effectiveness of different treatment modalities, data were analyzed in three groups: Group A (Conservative treatment), Group B (Percutaneous needle aspiration), and Group C (Pigtail catheter drainage). This was a retrospective analytical study performed at a tertiary care center in western India. Patients admitted with clinical features and ultrasound abdomen findings consistent with liver abscess were included in the study. Positive pus culture and/or blood culture for bacteria was considered as of pyogenic origin. Mixed etiology (amoebic and pyogenic) was considered if both were positive
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