Treatment of a Large Multiloculated Liver Abscess with Intra-Abscess Antibiotic Instillation

Russell W Steele1,2

  • 1From the Department of Pediatrics, University of Queensland School of Medicine, Ochsner Clinical School, Ochsner Hospital for Children.

Insights

A large liver abscess caused by Staphylococcus aureus was successfully treated with direct intra-abscess antibiotic instillation. This innovative approach led to rapid clinical improvement and abscess sterilization in a pediatric patient.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Liver abscesses can be challenging to treat, especially when standard therapies like antibiotics and drainage fail.
  • Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) is a common pathogen causing serious infections.

Observation:

  • A 15-year-old patient presented with a large, multiloculated liver abscess (11.1 × 8.2 × 8.4 cm).
  • The patient did not respond to extensive catheter drainage and intravenous antibiotics.

Findings:

  • Daily intra-abscess instillation of oxacillin for 7 days was administered.
  • This targeted therapy resulted in rapid clinical improvement and effective sterilization of the abscess.

Implications:

  • Intra-abscess antibiotic instillation offers a promising alternative treatment for refractory liver abscesses.
  • This method may be particularly useful in pediatric cases where conventional treatments are insufficient.
  • Further research into localized antibiotic delivery for complex infections is warranted.