Liver Abscess Specialists in Madras University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

What is Liver Abscess?

Liver abscess is a localised collection of pus within the liver tissue, most commonly resulting from a bacterial or parasitic infection that has spread to the liver from elsewhere in the body or through the bloodstream. In India, amoebic liver abscess caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, often following intestinal infection, remains a notably common cause alongside bacterial abscesses arising from infections of the bile ducts, abdominal organs, or bloodstream. The infection causes localised tissue destruction and pus formation within the liver, which can enlarge and cause significant pain and systemic illness if not treated promptly. Left untreated, a liver abscess can rupture into the abdominal cavity or chest, leading to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Prompt diagnosis through imaging and appropriate antimicrobial treatment, with drainage when needed, generally leads to full recovery.

Causes of Liver Abscess

Amoebic liver abscess is caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, typically acquired through ingestion of contaminated food or water and travelling from the intestines to the liver via the bloodstream. Bacterial liver abscess can result from infections of the bile ducts, spread of infection from the abdomen such as appendicitis or diverticulitis, or bloodstream infection from another site in the body. Risk factors include poor sanitation and hygiene for amoebic infection, and diabetes, biliary tract disease, or a weakened immune system for bacterial causes.

Symptoms of Liver Abscess

Fever and chills, pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, jaundice in some cases, cough if the abscess irritates the diaphragm, general malaise and weakness

Treatment & Types of Liver Abscess in Madras University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Treatment involves targeted antimicrobial therapy, using antiparasitic medication such as metronidazole for amoebic abscesses or appropriate antibiotics for bacterial causes, guided by the suspected or confirmed organism. Larger abscesses often require drainage, performed through a needle or catheter guided by imaging, to remove the pus and speed recovery. Identifying and treating any underlying source of infection, such as bile duct obstruction, is important to prevent recurrence.

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