Role of Pigtail Catheter Drainage in the Management of Liver Abscess – A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction: – Liver abscess (especially amoebic) is an important health concern in tropical countries. Effective management of liver abscess included appropriate antibiotics and drainage of abscess cavity. Percutaneous abscess drainage by pigtail catherization is now gaining popularity. We analysed the role of pigtail catheter drainage in the treatment of liver abscess. Method: and Material – This was a retrospective analytical study conducted in a tertiary care center in western India. Data of total 64 patients admitted with diagnosis of liver abscess were analyzed. To find the effectiveness of treatment data were analyzed in three groups based on treatment strategies, Group A (Conservative treatment), Group B (Percutaneous needle aspiration) and Group C (Pigtail catheter drainage). Results: – A total of 64 patients of liver abscess were analyzed. There was male predominance (93.75%). Mean abscess volume in Group C (307.9 ± 212.8 ml) was significantly higher when compared to Group A (130.8 ± 72.9 ml, p = 0.03) and Group B (177.2 ± 129.5; p = 0.024). Duration of hospital stay and residual abscess volume at the time of discharge did not show statistically significant difference between treatment groups. Pigtail catheterization of abscess with volume >150ml shortened the hospital stay, whereas it prolonged the hospital stay in patients with abscess volume <150ml. Conclusion: - Percutaneous pigtail catherization would be an operative decision for management of liver abscess. We concluded that use of pigtail catherization of patients with abscess volume > 150ml improved the clinical outcome.