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Language : English 中文 Tiếng Việt 日本 Bahasa

Liver Abscess

Liver Abscess
Liver Abscess
By Dr. Lee Ser Yee
Liver abscess is an infection in the liver manifesting as a collection of pus, usually as a result of a bacterial infection. It is important to seek treatment early as it may have serious complications. Fortunately, most can be treated with antibiotics and minimally-invasive approaches such percutaneous or laparoscopic drainage.

Common causes

  • Abdominal infection, such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or a perforated intestine
  • Infection in the blood
  • Gallstones and/or Infection of the bile ducts(cholangitis)
  • Recent endoscopy or surgery of the bile ducts
  • Penetrating Injury to the liver
  • Bacteria cause most liver abscesses, in some cases, it can be caused by parasites as well

Symptoms

  • Pain in the upper abdomen or throughout the abdomen
  • Right or left shoulder pain (referred pain)
  • Fever, chills, rigors & night sweats
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Fatigue, Malaise or confusion (in severe cases)
  • Yellow skin (jaundice) with pale-coloured stools, tea coloured urine

Tests

  • Ultrasound (US) or Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen
  • Blood tests- Blood culture for bacteria, Full blood count, Liver panel

Treatment

Treatment usually consists of placing a small tube through the skin into the liver to drain the abscess under imaging guidance (CT or US) [Percutaneous drainage]. Occasionally, surgery may be necessary if the abscess is complex or the initial drainage or treatment fails.

You will also receive antibiotics for about 4 to 6 weeks. Sometimes, antibiotics alone can cure the infection if the abscess is small and there are no associated complications.

Possible Complications

Life-threatening sepsis can develop. Sepsis is an illness in which the body has a severe inflammatory response to bacteria or other germs, this can be worse in patients with diabetes or those who are immunosuppressed.

Beside treatment of the infection, it is necessary to ensure that it is not cancer mimicking an infection and also find out the cause so as to prevent future recurrences.

Please consult your liver surgeon early if you have the above symptoms as early treatment is effective and can prevent it from becoming more serious.

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
#08-07, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510
Tel: 6454 0054 | Fax: 6764 0054 | Email: ask@surgicalassociates.sg

Gleneagles Medical Centre
#05-01, 6 Napier Road, Singapore 258499
Tel: 6471 0054 | Fax: 6271 0054

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