Download Reports
About TRSCH
Success Stories
Patient Information
Sustainability
Happenings
Download the Tirath Ram Patient App
Follow Us

Liver Abscess Drainage (USG-Guided)

Overview

A liver abscess is a localized collection of pus in the liver, typically caused by bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infections. It can lead to significant complications if not treated effectively, with percutaneous drainage being a minimally invasive technique often guided by ultrasound (USG). It can lead to significant complications if not treated effectively, with percutaneous drainage being a minimally invasive technique often guided by ultrasound (USG). Liver abscess drainage is a common procedure for treating abscesses that are unresponsive to antibiotics alone. The primary goal is to remove the infected fluid, alleviating symptoms and allowing the liver to heal. This procedure can be performed via percutaneous (through the skin) needle aspiration or catheter drainage, typically under image guidance like ultrasound or CT for precision and safety.

Types of liver abscesses:

  • Pyogenic liver abscess: Caused by bacterial infections.
  • Amoebic liver abscess: Caused by Entamoeba histolytica.
Book an Appointment

Consult with Experienced General Surgery / Radiology

At TRSCH, world-renowned medical pioneers converge to redefine excellence. Our distinguished specialists, having unmatched expertise for compassionate care, are ever-ready to address your health concerns. Consult our General Surgery / Radiology today!

Ratnesh Mahajan
Dr. Ratnesh Mahajan
Consultant
Book an Appointment
Asish Gupta
Dr. Asish Gupta
Consultant
Book an Appointment
Anurag Dadu
Dr. Anurag Dadu
Senior Consultant
Book an Appointment
Anand Tyagi
Dr. Anand Tyagi
Consultant
Book an Appointment
Subhash Sood
Dr. Subhash Sood
Consultant
Book an Appointment
P. N. Sinha
Dr. P. N. Sinha
Senior Consultant
Book an Appointment

How is Liver Abscess Drainage (USG-Guided) Done?

Prior to the procedure, several steps are followed to ensure patient safety:
  • assessment: Medical history, physical examination, and imaging (ultrasound, CT, or MRI) to confirm the presence and size of the abscess.
  • Laboratory tests: Complete blood count, liver function tests, and blood cultures to identify the infectious organism.
  • Fasting: The patient may be advised to fast for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure.
  • Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are often started before the drainage to manage infection and might be modified based on culture results.
  • Informed consent: The risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure are explained to the patient.

USG-guided liver abscess drainage typically involves the following steps:
  • Patient positioning: The patient is placed in a supine or left lateral position, depending on the abscess location.
  • Local anesthesia: The area where the needle or catheter will be inserted is numbed with a local anesthetic.
  • Ultrasound guidance: A real-time ultrasound is used to identify the abscess, plan the safest route, and avoid surrounding structures like blood vessels and bile ducts.
  • Needle insertion: A sterile needle is inserted into the abscess cavity under USG guidance, and fluid is aspirated.
  • Catheter placement (if needed): If continuous drainage is required, a catheter may be inserted and left in place for several days to allow the pus to drain fully. The catheter is connected to a drainage bag.
  • Post-procedure care: Patients are monitored for immediate complications, and repeat imaging may be performed to assess the effectiveness of drainage.

Although USG-guided drainage is considered safe, complications can occur, such as:
  • Bleeding: Injury to blood vessels during needle insertion.
  • Infection: Potential risk of introducing infection at the insertion site.
  • Injury to surrounding organs: Rare, but nearby organs (like the gallbladder or bowel) could be injured.
  • Recurrent abscess: In some cases, the abscess may recur, requiring additional drainage.
  • Sepsis: If the infection spreads to the bloodstream, it could lead to life-threatening sepsis.
  • Bile leak: Injury to the bile ducts could result in a bile leak.
What are the Benefits of Liver Abscess Drainage (USG-Guided) ?

USG-guided liver abscess drainage has several advantages:

  • Minimally invasive: It avoids open surgery and reduces hospital stays.
  • Reduced morbidity: Effective drainage usually leads to rapid symptom relief, including fever, pain, and systemic infection.
  • Quick recovery: Patients recover faster compared to more invasive surgical procedures.
  • Safe and precise: Real-time ultrasound ensures precision, minimizing damage to nearby tissues.

Infrastructure and Facility

For the procedure, the following infrastructure and facilities are required:
  • machine: High-quality imaging equipment capable of real-time guidance.
  • Sterile environment: A clean and sterile setting, typically in a radiology or interventional suite.
  • Interventional radiologist or specialized clinician: Expertise in image-guided procedures is essential.
  • Emergency backup: Equipment for dealing with complications like bleeding or infection must be readily available.
  • Hospital facilities: Availability of inpatient care for patients who may need post-procedure observation or prolonged drainage.
Subscribe with us

Copyright 2025 TRSCH - All Rights Reserve

Website Design and Development by Sterco Digitex

Subscribe with us

Copyright 2025 TRSCH - All Rights Reserve

Website Design and Development by Sterco Digitex

Specialities

View All Specialities

Book an Appointment

icon
Find A Doctor

With country's leading experts

General Info & Timings Admission and Billing Patient Rights and Responsibilities COVID – 19 Safety Hospital Layout FAQs