Amebic liver abscess primarily arises from intestinal Entamoeba histolytica infection and is most commonly solitary. The primary treatment approach is non-surgical management, focusing on anti-amebic medications (such as metronidazole, chloroquine, or emetine), along with repeated aspiration of abscess fluid and supportive therapies when necessary. The majority of patients achieve favorable outcomes through these measures.
Treatment Methods
Percutaneous Hepatic Abscess Catheter Drainage
This method is suitable for patients with severe conditions, large abscesses with a risk of rupture, or cases where no reduction in the abscess cavity is observed despite anti-amebic treatment and repeated aspiration.
Surgical Incision and Drainage
Indications for surgical incision and drainage include the following:
- Persistent high fever despite anti-amebic treatment and percutaneous drainage.
- Abscess with secondary bacterial infection, unresponsive to percutaneous drainage and medication.
- Rupture of the abscess into the thoracic or abdominal cavity, leading to complications such as empyema or peritonitis.
After surgical drainage of the abscess, continuous closed thoracic drainage is used for cases involving empyema.