RESUMO
To compare the therapeutic effectiveness of ultrasound guided needle aspiration versus open surgical drainage in treatment of liver abscess. Between March 2003 and May 2006, 60 consecutive patients with liver abscesses were treated with intravenous antibiotics and randomized in two groups: ultrasound guided intermittent needle aspiration [18G disposable trocar needle]; and open surgical drainage. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding patient demographics, abscess size and number, the presenting clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. The success rate was 80% in needle aspiration group versus 100% of open surgical group, the number of aspirations required varied from one aspiration [10 patients] up to 3 aspirations in 8 patients. The average time needed for clinical relief and the mean hospital stay for the successful treated patients were similar in both groups. Although both needle aspiration and open surgical drainage are safe methods for treatment of liver abscesses, open surgical drainage is more effective