The management of amoebic hepatic abscess

83 well documented cases of amoebic hepatic abscess, treated in the Philippines between 1967 and 1975, are presented with a view to showing the results of 3 different methods of management and comparing the diagnostic accuracy and overall mortality in 2 separate groups. It is concluded that conservative medical management is generally successful and that the abscess cavity can resolve rapidly without the need for aspiration. Death is certain in those who are not treated and mortality is high in those whose abscesses are complicated by perforation. The combination of dehydroemetine, chloroquine and tetracycline is still an effective treatment.