Liver Abscess

What is Liver Abscess?

Liver abscesses is a condition where there is a collection of pus in the liver. There are two main varieties of liver abscess. One is called Amoebic liver abscess and the other is called bacterial liver abscess. Of the two, amoebic liver abscess is more common in people who take alcohol and who have poor nutrition.

What are the Symptoms of Liver Abscess?

Liver abscess usually presents with the following symptoms

Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
Fever
Jaundice
Difficulty in breathing

How is Liver Abscess Diagnosed?

Liver abscess is usually diagnosed with the help of an ultrasound scan of the abdomen. To further categorize that liver abscess, the patient may need a C.T. scan to identify the exact location and the type of liquid abscess.

What are the Treatment Options for Liver Abscess?

Majority of liver abscesses can be treated with medicines. But patients with large pus collections may not respond to antibiotics, in such cases, ultrasound guided placement of a tube into the liver will drain out the pus and help in the recovery from infection.

In very severe cases or in patients where the abscesses ruptured into the abdomen one might have to do a surgical treatment to completely remove the pus and wash the abdominal cavity.

FAQs

A liver abscess is a collection of pus inside the liver caused by an infection. It is usually of two types, amoebic or bacterial. Amoebic abscesses are more common in people with poor nutrition or excessive alcohol use, while bacterial abscesses often develop from infections in the digestive system.

A bacterial liver abscess typically develops when infections from the digestive tract spread to the liver. Common sources include conditions like appendicitis, bile duct stones, or infections related to piles or fistulas. Amoebic abscesses, on the other hand, are usually linked to infections combined with factors like poor hygiene or nutrition.

Common symptoms include pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and sometimes difficulty breathing. These symptoms indicate a possible infection and should be evaluated quickly.

Diagnosis usually starts with an abdominal ultrasound to detect the abscess. A CT scan may be done next to confirm the exact location, size, and type of abscess, helping doctors plan the right treatment.

Dr. Parthasarathy is known for treating liver abscess cases. Treatment may include antibiotics, ultrasound-guided drainage for larger abscesses, or surgery if the abscess has ruptured or becomes complicated.