Pyogenic liver abscess

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Digestive system

Digestive system organs

Pyogenic abscess

Liver abscess; Bacterial liver abscess

The treatment usually consists of surgical or percutaneous (through the skin, with a needle) drainage of the abscess. This is accompanied by prolonged antibiotic therapy. Sometimes antibiotics alone can cure the infection.

The death rate is 10-30% in treated patients, and it is higher in those with multiple abscesses.

Life-threatening sepsis can develop.

Call your health care provider if any symptoms of this disorder develop.

Also call if severe abdominal pain, confusion or decreased consciousness, persistent high fever, or other new symptoms develop during or after treatment.

Review Date: 07/28/2006
Reviewed By: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.