Ultrasonically guided percutaneous drainage of amoebic liver abscess

ABSTRACT

Fifteen patients with amoebic liver abscess were treated over two years. The diagnosis was in all cases verified by diagnostic aspiration. Twelve patients were treated by needle aspiration at three day intervals guided by ultrasonography and 3 patients were treated by surgical drainage. Anti amoebic drugs were given simultaneously with the chosen procedure to both groups. The patients were followed up with clinical examination and ultrasonography for a mean time of 3 months. During follow-up period, it was found that the group treated with aspiration drainage showed rapid clinical improvement and less hospitalization time in comparison with the surgically treated group. There were no complications from the US guided aspiration which was considered an integral part in the management of amoebic liver abscess