Percutaneous catheter drainage in drug-resistant amoebic liver abscess

This communication records our experience with the percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) of 22 amoebic liver abscesses in 19 patients who had failed to respond to amoebicidal therapy. In one patient with a left lobe abscess, imminent rupture was an additional indication for drainage. PCD combined with amoebicidal therapy not only expedited recovery, but was curative in all 19 patients. There were no complications. We conclude that PCD is a most useful adjunct to drug therapy and recommend its routine use in the management of drug-resistant amoebic liver abscesses.