Abscess In Patient Research Articles

Analysis of the microbial flora in breast abscess: a retrospective cohort study conducted in the emergency department

Background: Breast abscess develops as a complication of lactational mastitis. Recently, there is an increase in the incidence of non-lactational breast abscess. The aim of the study was to analyse the microbial flora in the lactational and non-lactational breast abscess in the ED and to elucidate the susceptibility of flora to different antibiotics.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of breast abscess patients registered in the ED over two years. The case records of these patients were retrieved, and the details of their age, clinical presentation, investigation, and treatment were recorded. Specifically, the pus culture sensitivity and antibiotics used in the management of these patients were noted, and the pattern of microbiological flora analyzed.Results: A total of 124 patients were included in the study, with 97 women were categorized into lactational breast abscess, and 27 women were classified as a non-lactational breast abscess. Mean age was 24 years of age (Range 18 to 56 years). The majority of the women were young between 18 and 34 years of age (83%). The culture was grown in 92% of the patient pus specimens. Staphylococcus aureus (83%) was common organisms cultured in lactational breast abscess. Mixed Flora including Staphylococcus aureus and Group B Streptococci were grown in non-lactational breast abscess.Conclusions: Appropriate antibiotic choices are of immense importance in the management of breast abscess. Mixed flora is common in non - lactational breast abscess when compared with a lactational breast abscess. Staphylococcus Aureus is the most common isolate in both groups.

Application of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction in Detection of Entamoeba histolytica in Pus Aspirates of Liver Abscess Patients

Application of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction in Detection of Entamoeba histolytica in Pus Aspirates of Liver Abscess Patients

Clinical Features and Recurrence Pattern of Perianal Abscess in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Introduction: Perianal abscess may develop during neutropenia periods in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The standard of care for perianal abscess in AML is unclear. Methods: We retrospectively collected patient data in our institute from 2009 to 2012. Results: Two hundred ninety-two patients with AML were analyzed. In total, 1,051 chemotherapy sessions were administered. Twenty-three patients experienced perianal abscess. Patients with perianal abscess were younger than those without (44 vs. 60 years, p < 0.0001). Perianal abscess developed in various phases of treatment and in the stem cell transplantation period. Twelve recurrences developed in 6 patients. Patients with a prior perianal abscess have a 10-fold risk of developing a subsequent abscess following further chemotherapy. The microbiology profile revealed that most pathogens were derived from the intestinal tracts, which was similar to the findings of previous studies. The 28-day mortality was 14.3% and the direct cause of death was not perianal abscess in any case. Surgical interventions had no impact on recurrence or survival. Conclusion: In patients with AML, perianal abscess results from gastrointestinal tract pathogens. Many patients do not require surgical interventions. The mortality is low but recurrence is common following subsequent chemotherapies. Therefore, awareness of recurrence is important for the timely management of perianal abscess in AML.

Clinical profile of liver abscess in a tertiary referral hospital

Background: Liver abscess poses a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and is life threatening if left untreated. Amoebic and Pyogenic liver abscess are the common types. The objective of the study is to assess the clinical profile of liver abscess in patients attending a tertiary referral hospitalMethods: This is a Prospective study carried out in a surgical wards of a tertiary referral hospital from May 2013 to April 2016.Results: Data analysed with percentages. Out of 99 cases (48.5%) were in the age group of 41-50 years. Majority of cases (97.9%) were males. Alcohol intake present in (61.7%) cases. Amoebic abscess was (95%) and pyogenic abscess were (5%). All had abdominal pain (100%). (51.5%) cases had abdominal distension and (57.6%) cases had fever. All (100%) had right hypochondrial pain and intercostal tenderness. (49.5%) cases presented with hepatomegaly. (70.7%) cases were right lobe abscess and (21.2%) cases were ruptured abscess at initial presentation. (91%) cases were amoebic and (9%) cases were pyogenic in etiology. (30.3%) cases were treated with single aspiration, (25.3%) cases by percutaneous catheter drainage, (22.2%) cases underwent laparotomy and drainage, (19.2%) cases were treated by multiple aspiration and (3%) cases by conservative managementConclusions: Liver abscess more common in males with alcohol intake history in age group of 41-50 years. 90% were amoebic and 10% were pyogenic. Commonest symptom was abdominal pain. Right hypochondrial and intercostal tenderness were common signs. Right lobe was commonly involved. Percutaneous aspiration of abscess with antiamoebics and antibiotics forms mainstay of treatment.

Enteric multiplex PCR panels: A new diagnostic tool for amoebic liver abscess?

Invasive amoebiasis is a life-threatening infection requiring immediate detection and treatment. However, diagnosis is challenging because conventional methods such as light microscopy and serology are unreliable. Molecular techniques are therefore considered the new diagnostic reference standard, but most of the developed assays are research tools and not widely available. Recently commercial multiplex PCR panels have been introduced which permit the simultaneous detection of multiple enteric pathogens including Entamoeba histolytica in stool samples. Our report demonstrates for the first time that these new assays might also serve as a rapid tool to diagnose amoebic liver abscess in patients with cystic focal liver lesions.

Bartholin gland abscess during pregnancy: Report on 40 patients

Objective(s)To study the clinical and bacterial characteristic of Bartholin gland abscesses during pregnancy and the obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Study designRetrospective cohort study of all patients with surgical treatment of Bartholin gland abscesses between 2004 and 2015 in our university center. Clinical and bacterial characteristics between pregnant and non-pregnant women were compared. ResultsDuring the period study, 156 patients were included (40 pregnant and 116 non pregnant). The incidence of Bartholin gland abscesses during pregnancy was 0.13%. Eight (20%) abscesses occurred in the first, 18 (45%) in the second, 11 (47.5%) in the third trimester and 3 (7.5%) in the post-partum course. No severe perineal and neonatal infections occurred during pregnancy. One late miscarriage and one preterm delivery were observed.We found more multiparity in the pregnant woman group than in non-pregnant women (62.5% versus 45%, p<0.05). A history of Bartholin gland abscesses were also more frequent in pregnant women (55% versus 30.1%, p<0.05). First line antibiotic therapy was more frequent in non-pregnant women (20% versus 45%, p<0.05). The rate of positive culture did not differ between the two groups (70% versus 55.2%). Among negative pus cultures, no patient in the pregnant woman group had received a first line antibiotic therapy, in contrast with non-pregnant women (0% versus 25%, p<0.05).E. coli was the most common pathogen in the two groups (48.9% of positive cultures and 28.2% of the overall population). The distribution of bacterial taxa was not different between the two groups. ConclusionBacterial characteristics did not differ from non-pregnant women. Pregnancy could increase the occurrence of Bartholin gland abscesses in patients with previous surgical treatment of abscesses. When appropriate management is applied, maternal and neonatal outcomes are favorable, and severe infections are not to be expected.

Corynebacterium species causing breast abscesses among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, South India

Background: Corynebacterium species other than Corynebacterium diphtheriae were mostly considered contaminants in the past, but there are reports of their association with wide variety of human infections lately. In this study, we look into Corynebacterium species isolated from breast abscess patients and assess their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and treatment outcomes.Material and methods: Pus samples from suspected breast abscess cases were examined from October 2014 to September 2015. Growth of Gram-positive bacilli morphologically resembling Corynebacterium species were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization- time of flight mass spectrometry identifications generated by the Vitek MS system (bioMérieux, France) (MALDI-TOF Vitek MS system) and antimicrobial susceptibility was done.Results: Corynebacterium species were isolated from 10 female breast abscess patients with median age of 36 years (range 25–59 years). Out of the 10 isolates four isolates were identified as C. kroppenstedtii; one isolate as C. striatum and five isolates were identified as C. amycolatum/C.xerosis. Out of four isolates of C .kroppenstedtii, two isolates were resistant to cotrimoxazole and one C. striatum isolate was resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and clindamycin. Of the five isolates identified as C amycolatum/C xerosis, all were sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid but resistant to clindamycin. All the patients were treated with incision, drainage and antibiotics based on the sensitivity pattern; eight were cured and two patients did not come for follow-up.Conclusions: Corynebacterium species should be considered one of the causative agents of breast abscess and a varied susceptibility profile amongst the different species makes susceptibility testing important. Identification by MALDI-TOF Vitek MS system may not differentiate between C. amycolatum and C. xerosis.

Contrast-Enhanced Chest Computed Tomography Reveals Treatable Causes of Cerebral Abscesses in Patients without Antecedent Surgery or Trauma.

Brain abscesses cause substantial morbidity and mortality even after appropriate therapy, and no underlying cause is found in 25% of cases. We investigated the added utility of contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) in the diagnostic work-up of patients presenting with cerebral abscesses and no history or prior trauma or cranial surgery. All patients presenting to a single institution with a surgically proven brain abscess were reviewed. Concurrent contrast-enhanced chest CT imaging results were reviewed when available to identify treatable predisposing causes of intracranial suppuration. This study included 31 patients with biopsy-proven abscesses. Multiple abscesses were present in 8 patients (26%). Contrast-enhanced CT was performed in 15 patients (48%). Of these 15 patients, 2 had pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, 1 had an intrapulmonary shunt, and 3 had empyemas. Definitive therapy for the chest findings was provided to 6 of the 15 patients (40%). In the remaining 9 patients, 3 had pulmonary abscesses, for which diagnostic aspiration was requested. Another patient had an incidental pulmonary embolism, resulting in same-day placement of an inferior vena caval filter (not included in chest analysis, given that the finding was incidental). Contrast-enhanced chest CT is useful for identifying treatable causes of cerebral abscesses in patients with a cerebral abscess and no history of surgery or trauma.

Liver abscess presentation and management: a retrospective study

Background: Liver abscess is defined as collection of purulent material in liver parenchyma which can be due to bacterial, parasitic, fungal, or mixed infection. It is a common condition across the globe. The aim was to study the clinical profile, microbiological aetiology, and investigation profile and treatment outcomes in patients with liver abscess.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from January 2010 to December 2014 on 200 consecutive liver abscess patients at Bowring and Lady Curzon hospital, BMC and RI, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Medical records were analysed for clinical features, examination findings, laboratory investigations, radiological tests, microbiological analysis and treatment modalities. Descriptive statistics were used.Results: The mean age of patients was 42.25 years. Majority were male alcoholics. The abscesses were commonly in right lobe (80%) and solitary (72%). Abscesses were predominantly amoebic in 72%. Percutaneous needle aspiration was done in 34%, pigtail drainage in 48% and surgical intervention for rupture in 4% patients. Mortality was 2.5% with all death reported in surgical group.Conclusions: Amoebic liver abscess is more common than pyogenic liver abscess. Commonly occurs in young alcoholic males. Most common presenting feature is pain abdomen followed by fever. Most common sign include tender hepatomegaly. Ultrasound abdomen is useful not only in diagnosis and intervention but also in the follow up of the condition and to assess resolution.

Management of Odontogenic Abscess in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia: 5 Case Reports

Management of Odontogenic Abscess in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia: 5 Case Reports

Doing Pre-operative Investigations in Emergency Department; a Clinical Audit.

Pre-operative investigations for emergency surgical patients differ between centers. Following established guidelines can reduce unnecessary investigation, cost of treatment and hospital stay. The present audit was carried out to evaluate the condition of doing pre-operative investigations for three common surgical emergencies compared to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines and local criteria. A retrospective clinical audit of acute-appendicitis, abscess and hernia patients admitted to the emergency department was carried out over a one-year period from July 2014 to July 2015. Data of laboratory investigations, their indication, cost and duration of hospital stay was collected and compared with NICE-guidelines. A total of 201 patients were admitted to the emergency department during the audit period. These included 77(38.3%) cases of acute-appendicitis, 112 (55.7%) cases of abscesses, and 12 (6%) cases of hernia. Investigations not indicated by NICE-guidelines included 42 (20.9%) full blood counts, 29 (14.4%) random blood sugars, 26 (12.9%) urea tests, 4 (2%) chest x-rays, 13 (6.5%) electrocardiographs, and 58 (28.9%) urine analyses. These cost 25,675 Rupees (245.46 Dollars) in unnecessary investigation costs and 65.7 days of additional hospital stay. Unnecessary investigations for emergency surgical patients can be reduced by following NICE-guidelines. This will reduce workload on emergency services, treatment costs and the length of hospital stay.

Surgical Treatment of Valvular Infective Endocarditis Complicated by An Abscess: A Single Center’s Experience

Objectives: To examine the surgical treatment and mortality rate of valvular infective endocarditis complicated by an abscess in patients at a major tertiary care center. Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) involving a heart valve is fatal if left untreated. The appearance of a comorbid abscess impacts the choice of treatment and surgical technique and, in some instances, may present unique technical challenges. Methods: Departmental data from all patients who underwent surgery for IE at a single major tertiary care center from July 2007 to January 2016 were retrospectively screened for the presence of an intracardiac abscess. Patients with at least one confirmed abscess were examined further with respect to the surgical procedures completed and 30-day mortality rate. Results: Over the almost nine years of data collection, we identified 14 patients (9 males, 5 females) with at least one confirmed cardiac abscess. Patients ranged in age from 28 to 77 years old (mean 57.8 ± 14 years). Various surgical procedures were performed, including aortic or/and mitral valve replacement, mitral or/and tricuspid valve repair, and a freestyle prosthetic valve implant in the pulmonary position. In two patients, surgery was extended to include the ascending aorta; while two patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. A patch technique was adopted whenever necessary. Overall, 12 patients survived, while one died from septic shock and another from pneumonia. Conclusions: An abscess is a serious complication of valvular infective endocarditis that can appreciably increase the complexity of surgical intervention. In our experience, however, this seemed not to directly affect the 30-day mortality-rate, with both deaths ascribed to disseminated infection.

Medical Versus Interventional Treatment of Intra-Abdominal Abscess in Patients With Crohn Disease.

Background:Few studies exist to guide the treatment approach to intra-abdominal abscesses in Crohn disease, which can include antimicrobials alone or in conjunction with percutaneous drainage or surgery. The primary aim of this study is to review outcomes from different treatment approaches to intra-abdominal abscess in Crohn disease.Methods:Medical records were reviewed for patients admitted to the University of Michigan health care system with Crohn disease and intra-abdominal abscess over a 4-year period. Outcomes were compared among medical and interventional approaches. The χ2 test was used to test for statistical significance.Results:Of the 33 patients included, 13 were in the medical group and 20 were in the interventional group. Abscess recurrence/nonresolution occurred in 31% of patients in the medical group and 25% of patients in the interventional group (P = .7).Conclusions:In this study, there was no significant difference in outcome between medical and interventional therapy for intra-abdominal abscess in Crohn disease.

Clinical effects of comfort nursing in perianal abscess patients with postoperative pain

Clinical effects of comfort nursing in perianal abscess patients with postoperative pain

Treatment of subcutaneous abscesses in children with incision and loop drainage: A simplified method of care

PurposeThe aim of this study was to expand on our previous report of 115 patients after more than a decade-long experience using incision and loop drainage for pediatric subcutaneous abscess management. This report comprises the largest consecutive series of pediatric abscess patients from a single institution ever recorded. MethodsA retrospective study was performed of all pediatric patients who underwent incision and loop drainage of subcutaneous abscesses at our institution between January 2002 and December 2014. TechniqueTwo sub 5mm incisions were made at the periphery on the abscess. The abscess cavity was probed to break down loculations and drain pus. The abscess cavity was irrigated with normal saline. A loop drain was passed through one incision and brought out through the other. A simple absorbent dressing was applied over the drain. ResultsFive hundred seventy-six consecutive patients underwent loop drainage procedures. Mean values are as follows: age, 3.84years; duration of symptoms, 6.17days; postoperative length of stay (with 4 outliers excluded), 0.69days; drain duration, 8.38days; and number of postoperative visits, 1.28. Twenty-six patients had reoperations (4.5%), 2 of which were planned staged excisions of pilonidal cysts and 1 because of accidental home removal. ConclusionsMicro-incisions and loop drainage is a safe and effective treatment modality for subcutaneous abscesses in children. The findings eliminate the need for repetitive wound packing and simplify postoperative wound care. Loop drainage offers shorter time to discharge, lower recurrence rates, and minimal scarring. Additionally, there is expected cost reduction. We recommend this minimally invasive procedure to be the standard of care for subcutaneous abscesses in children. Type of studyTreatment study – retrospective review. Level of evidenceLevel IV – case series with no comparison group.

Biliary diseases as main causes of pyogenic liver abscess caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

Little is known about aetiology and morbidity and clinical characteristics of pyogenic liver abscess caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. An analysis between pyogenic liver abscess patients caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates and those caused by non-extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae was performed. Among 817 pyogenic liver abscess patients, there were 176 patients (21.5%) with pyogenic liver abscess of biliary origin, and 67 pyogenic liver abscess patients (8.2%) caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates (mainly Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Of 176 pyogenic liver abscess patients related to biliary disorders, there were 48 pyogenic liver abscess patients (27.3%) caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Within 67 pyogenic liver abscess patients caused by Enterobacteriaceae expressing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, the occurrences of 48 pyogenic liver abscess patients (71.6%) were associated with biliary disorders. When compared with pyogenic liver abscess patients caused by non-extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, there were significantly greater incidences of polymicrobial infections, bacteremia, pulmonary infection, recurrence and death in pyogenic liver abscess patients caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Carbapenems remain mainstay drugs against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E.coli and K.pneumoniae. Independent risk factors for occurrence of pyogenic liver abscess caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae were biliary disorders including extra- and intrahepatic cholangiolithiasis and an abnormal bilioenteric communication between bile and gut, a treatment history of malignancy such as operation and chemotherapy, pulmonary infection, and diabetes mellitus. Pyogenic liver abscess caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates mainly occurs in patients with biliary disorders or with a treatment history of malignancy. The mainstay of treatment remains carbapenems in combination with adequate aspiration or drainage.

Simultaneous detection of valine and lactate using MEGA-PRESS editing in pyogenic brain abscess.

Valine and lactate have been recognized as important metabolic markers to diagnose brain abscess by means of MRS. However, in vivo unambiguous detection and quantification is hampered by macromolecular contamination. In this work, MEGA-PRESS difference editing of valine and lactate is proposed. The method is validated in vitro and applied for quantitative in vivo experiments in one healthy subject and two brain abscess patients. It is demonstrated that with this technique the overlapping lipid signal can be reduced by more than an order of magnitude and thus the robustness of valine and lactate detection in vivo can be enhanced. Quantification of the two abscess MEGA-PRESS spectra yielded valine/lactate concentration ratios of 0.10 and 0.27. These ratios agreed with the concentration ratios determined from concomitantly acquired short-TE PRESS data and were in line with literature values. The quantification accuracy of lactate (as measured with Cramér-Rao lower bounds in LCModel processing) was better for MEGA-PRESS than for short-TE PRESS in all acquired in vivo datasets. The Cramér-Rao lower bounds of valine were only better for MEGA-PRESS in one of the two abscess cases, while in the other case coediting of isoleucine confounded the quantification in the MEGA-PRESS analysis. MEGA-PRESS and short-TE PRESS should be combined for unambiguous quantification of amino acids in abscess measurements. Simultaneous valine/lactate MEGA-PRESS editing might benefit the distinction of brain abscesses from tumors, and further categorization of bacteria with reasonable sensitivity and specificity.

Masquerading as Malignancy: A Case of a Misleading Gallbladder Abscess

Introduction: A gallbladder mass should always concern a clinician for malignancy. However, clinical and radiologic data are surprisingly similar for benign and malignant disease. A few cases of gallbladder abscesses mimicking cancer have been described in the setting of cholecystitis or as a complication of spilled gallstones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our case is unique, as our patient had no known risk factors for abscess formation. Case: A 64-year old male presented with intermittent abdominal pain and fevers, night sweats, and 30-pound weight loss over 2 months. Physical exam was unremarkable. Lab studies showed mild leukocytosis with WBC 13.6 and normal LFTs. CT scan revealed a gallbladder mass with pneumobilia. MRI showed a diffusely thickened gallbladder with fistulization to the transverse colon, suspicious for malignancy. CA-19-9 was normal. PET-CT depicted increased uptake in the area of the gallbladder and hepatic flexure. Pre-operative diagnosis of gallbladder cancer was made and a radical en bloc cholecystectomy with partial hepatectomy and partial transverse colectomy was performed. Post-operative pathology revealed no malignancy, but rather an abscess involving the liver, gallbladder, and colon. Discussion: Diagnosis of gallbladder pathology is challenging due to nonspecific clinical and radiologic findings. The four distinct radiologic patterns are polypoid gallbladder mass, focal or diffuse gallbladder wall thickening, polypoid bile duct mass, and focal bile duct stricture. These can occur with benign or malignant lesions. Specificity of US, CT and MRI to distinguish benign from malignant gallbladder lesions is poor. Additionally, PET yields false positives in inflammation. Known masqueraders in the gallbladder are adenomyomatosis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, and tuberculoid granulomatosis. Our patient had an intact gallbladder with no signs of cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, or other chronic process. Further review of his case revealed hepatic flexure diverticula on CT and foreign body giant cells in the abscess on pathology suggesting a possible perforated diverticulitis with fistulization to the gallbladder as the etiology of our patient's abscess. The best means of accurately diagnosing gallbladder pathology remains to be determined. Clinicians must beware of radiologic limitations and hold a high index of suspicion for malignancy in the right clinical context, but be mindful of mimicry as well.Figure 1Figure 2

Usefulness of Serum Procalcitonin Levels in Predicting Tubo-Ovarian Abscess in Patients with Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

We aimed to investigate the clinical importance of serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels in the diagnosis of tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA). Patients diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID; n = 36) and patients diagnosed with TOA (n = 42) were included in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics, laboratory and clinical parameters were compared between the 2 groups. Mean PCT level was higher in the TOA group (p = 0.004). Mean length of stay in hospital was longer in patients with TOA (p < 0.001). White blood cell count, neutrophil count, percentage of neutrophils and C-reactive protein levels were higher than normal limits in all patients; however, no differences in these parameters were observed between the groups. A cutoff level of 0.330 ng/ml for PCT revealed 62% sensitivity and 75% specificity in predicting TOA. Serum PCT is a promising inexpensive marker for the diagnosis of TOA in PID patients.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Liver Abscess After Thermal Ablation of Liver Neoplasm.

BackgroundRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are the most frequently used thermal ablation methods for the treatment of liver cancer. Liver abscess is a common and severe complication of thermal ablation treatment.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors of liver abscess formation after thermal ablation of liver cancer.Materials and MethodsThe clinical data of 423 patients who underwent 691 thermal ablation procedures for liver cancer were collected in order to retrospectively analyze the basic characteristics, incidence, and risk factors associated with liver abscess formation. Patients with multiple risk factors for liver abscess formation were enrolled in a risk factor group, and patients with no risk factors were enrolled in a control group. The chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the occurrence of liver abscesses and potential risk factors.ResultsTwo hundred and eight patients underwent 385 RFA procedures, and 185 patients underwent 306 MWA procedures. The total incidence of liver abscesses was 1.7%, while the rates in the RFA group (1.8%) and MWA groups (1.6%) were similar (P > 0.05). The rates of liver abscesses in patients who had child-pugh class B and class C cirrhosis (P = 0.0486), biliary tract disease (P = 0.0305), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.0344), and porta hepatis tumors (P = 0.0123) were 4.0%, 6.7%, 6.5%, and 13.0%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between these four groups and the control group (all P < 0.05). The incidence of liver abscesses in the combined ablation and percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) group (P = 0.0026) was significantly lower than that of the ablation group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe incidence of liver abscesses after liver cancer thermal ablation is low. Child-Pugh Class B and Class C cirrhosis, biliary tract disease, diabetes mellitus, and porta hepatis tumors are four significant risk factors. Combined ablation and PEI reduces the rate of liver abscesses.