Successful laparoscopic management of a hepatic abscess caused by a fish bone

Hepatic abscess is a rare condition but comes with heavy consequences if not diagnosed and managed properly. Early detection of this pathology is challenging because of the variety and lack of specificity of symptoms but is necessary for accurate management.

We report a case of pyogenic liver abscess secondary to the migration of an ingested fish bone in a 74-year-old female. We used laparoscopic surgery to drain the abscess, remove the foreign body responsible and look for the perforation site. Parenteral antibiotherapy was added to the surgical treatment.

Early diagnosis of hepatic abscess caused by the migration of a foreign body remains a challenge. In our opinion, laparoscopic surgery associated with antibiotics is the safest and most effective therapeutic option.