Ultrasound Guided Aspiration versus Open Drainage for the Management of Liver Abscess - A Comparative Analysis at a Tertiary Centre in Northern India

Background: Liver abscess is a common condition in our country. World-wide approximately 40-50 million people are infected annually. The prevalence of this infection is higher than 5-10% in endemic area1 and some times as high as 55%2. Treatment of amoebic liver abscess includes medical treatment as well as surgical drainage. Presently, most liver abscess are treated conservatively with antibiotics, anti-amoebic drugs and catheter drainage under the guidance of ultrasound and CT scan. Objective: This study was a comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound guided aspiration as compared to open surgical drainage in the management of liver abscess. The aim was to find out the better modality in terms of both success rate and complications in the treatment of liver abscess. Material & Method: This study was conducted in S. N. Medical College, Agra from January 2017 to January 2018.80 patients presenting with sign and symptoms of liver abscess were included in this study. Conclusion: Open surgical drainage appears better in quickening clinical improvement, decreased duration of medical therapy, and quicker resolution of cavity size.