Percutaneous catheter drainage of liver abscesses

ABSTRACT

Imaging-guided percutaneous catheter drainage of hepatic abscesses [PAD] was done in 39 patients. Amebic liver abscesses were diagnosed in 18 patients, where 17 patients had pyogenic liver abscesses and 4 patients had indeterminate abscesses. Right lobe abscesses were seen in 32 patients and left lobe abscesses were seen in 7 patients. PAD was successful in 36 patients [92.3%], emergency laparotomy was indicated in one case who developed clinical signs of peritonitis and in two cases the condition deteriorated due to insufficient catheter drainage with C.T. evidence of persistent abscess cavity and both were drained by open surgery. 1- year follow up was available for all patients with no reported abscess recurrence. Complications developed in 4 cases [10.3%] in the form of bacteraemia [3 cases] and pneumothorax [one case]. The catheter drainage time ranged from 3 to 35 days [mean = 16 days]. PAD of hepatic abscesses is an effective, relatively safe and permanent therapeutic method. It can be used as a safe alternative to surgery, except of there is an underlying liver disease