Efficacy of needle aspiration as primary treatment of amoebic liver abscess

To describe the efficacy of needle aspiration of amoebic liver abscess and to assess its morbidity and mortality rates. A descriptive case series is designed. This study was conducted on 46 patients admitted to surgical ward 5 of Civil Hospital Karachi during a period of 2 years from December 2004 to November 2006. The success rate of percutaneous needle aspiraion was found to be 98%. Only one case came with recurrence. Four cases did not respond and were treated through laparotomic drainage. Reason of failure was found to be the more posterior location of the abscess. Treatment of amoebic liver abscess by aspiration with a wide bore needle is a very satisfactory method. It is accompanied by very low morbidity and mortality. In developing countries like Pakistan needle aspiration should be recommended as a standard procedure to treat amoebic liver abscess