Laparoseopic drainage of ruptured liver abscess

ABSTRACT

To assess and analyze the therapeutic efficacy of laparoscopic drainage of ruptured liver abscess as a treatment modality, in terms of hospital stay, pain and other complications. Design: Descriptive study. Period The study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery Ward-26, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi over a period of 4' years from January, 1998 to June, 2002. This study included 12 patients, with clinical features of peritonitis and evidence of leaking liver abscess or free fluid in the peritoneum. All the patients undergoing laparoscopic drainage recovered completely with no mortality. Mean stay in hospital was 12-days. Pleural effusion and residual abscesses were seen in two patients who had to stay in the hospital for 20 days. Laparoscopic drainage of ruptured liver abscess is an effective mode of treatment and we recommend its use as an alternative to laparotomy