Liver Abscess: What Is It?

Liver Abscess: What Is It?

Liver abscess is a condition characterized by a collection of pus in the liver, usually caused by a bacterial infection. It is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment.

Classification

Liver abscesses are classified as pyogenic (bacterial) and amebic. Pyogenic abscesses usually occur due to the spread of infection from other parts of the body, such as the gallbladder or intestines. Amebic abscesses are caused by the invasion of amoebas into the liver through the blood from the intestines.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a liver abscess may include fever, pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Causes

The most common cause of liver abscess is the spread of infection from other organs. This can occur due to gallstone disease, cholecystitis, trauma, or surgical interventions.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of liver abscess includes blood tests, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment

Treatment of liver abscess usually involves antibiotics to combat the infection, drainage to remove the pus from the liver, and in some cases, surgical intervention to remove the infected tissue.

Prevention

Prevention of liver abscess includes timely treatment of gallstone disease, cholecystitis, and other infections that may lead to the spread of infection into the liver.

Physician

Treatment of liver abscess is conducted by a gastroenterologist or a surgeon specializing in liver and biliary tract diseases.