A randomized comparative study between needle aspirations versus surgical drainage in liver abscess

Abstract EN

Aim: to compare the therapeutic effectiveness of ultrasound guided needle aspiration versus open surgical drainage in treatment of liver abscess. Patient and Methods: Between March 2003 and May 2006, 60 consecutive patients with liver abscesses were treated with intravenous antibiotics and randomized in two groups: ultrasound guided intermittent needle aspiration (18G disposable trocar needle); and open surgical drainage.

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding patient demographics, abscess size and number, the presenting clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. Results: the success rate was 80% in needle aspiration group versus 100% of open surgical group, the number of aspirations required varied from one aspiration (10 patients) up to 3 aspirations in 8 patients.

The average time needed for clinical relief and the mean hospital stay for the successful treated patients were similar in both groups Conclusions: Although both needle aspiration and open surgical drainage are safe methods for treatment of liver abscesses, open surgical drainage is more effective.