Treatment of Liver Abscess

About the disease

A liver abscess is a mass of pus in the liver, usually as a result of a bacterial infection. Pus is a collection of dead cells and white blood cells, and forms in the body when the immune system fights an infection. In rare cases, pus forms in a pocket in the liver. As a result, inflammation of the liver and the surrounding tissue can occur. The area usually becomes swollen and very painful to touch. If not treated soon, this condition can be fatal.

According to Healthline, liver abscesses are usually caused by biliary disease, which accounts for approximately 50% of all liver abscess cases. Biliary disease develops when the bile duct becomes infected and, as a result, inflamed. In some cases, an inflamed or ruptured appendix can lead to the formation of pus in the liver. This is why it is important to resect the appendix before it ruptures and infects the surrounding organs. In other cases, a liver abscess can be caused by cancer, usually of the pancreas or colon. Rarely, a liver abscess may develop after trauma or injury to the liver. Also, an infection of the blood can sometimes lead to the formation of pus in the liver.

People over the age of 65 are more at risk of developing a liver abscess. Also, individuals with a compromised immune system (who are therefore prone to various bacterial infections) can also develop a liver abscess. This condition is just as common in men as it is in women.  

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dark stool
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Weakness
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

• During a general examination, the doctor will palpate the patient’s abdominal area to identify the source of the pain.
• The doctor will inquire whether the patient has had a fever lately, or any of the symptoms listed above.
• A blood test is useful for checking the white blood cell count for signs of inflammation or bacterial infection.
• Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, help doctors to identify the exact location of the abscess and determine its size.

Treatment

• Conservative treatment, including the use of antibiotics, can be effective in fighting the infection and killing the bacteria that caused it. Antibiotics can be taken either intravenously or orally.
• The doctor will then decide if the patient needs surgery.
• Abscess drainage may be necessary, to drain the pocket of pus in the liver.
• Anatomical liver resection may be necessary in severe cases if part of the liver has been damaged to the point that it needs to be removed. 

Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Farrukh Ahmed

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