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Pyogenic liver abscess - Treatment

Alternative Names

Liver abscess; Bacterial liver abscess

Treatment:

Treatment usually consists of surgery or going through the skin with a needle or tube (percutaneous) to drain the abscess. Along with this procedure, you will receive long-term antibiotic therapy (usually 4 - 6 weeks). Sometimes antibiotics alone can cure the infection.

Expectations (prognosis):

Even with treatment this condition can be life-threatening in 10-30% of patients. The risk is higher in people who have many abscesses.

Complications:

Life-threatening sepsis can develop.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have:

Any symptoms of this disorder
Severe abdominal pain
Confusion or decreased consciousness
Persistent high fever
Other new symptoms during or after treatment

Digestive system

Pyogenic abscess

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 9/17/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Chung RT, Friedman LS. Bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections of the liver, including liver abscess. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006: chap 79.

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