Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-guided Drainage of Caudate Lobe Abscess: A Single Center Experience

Liver abscess is usually treated with medical therapy. Few patients require drainage of the collection due to large size, certain high-risk location or rupture of the collection. Percutaneous drainage is most commonly used modality for the drainage of such collection. However, caudate lobe poses a unique difficulty in percutaneous drainage due to its deep location.

We did a retrospective analysis of all patients with caudate lobe abscess who underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage at our center. We reviewed their indications, technical and clinical success rates of the procedure from 2020 to 2023. We also performed systemic review of published literature till June 12, 2023 showing use of EUS-guided drainage of caudate lobe abscess.

Total of 8 patients (age: 37.33 ± 12.8 y; Males 62.5%) underwent EUS-guided drainage of caudate lobe collection at our center. Six patients underwent drainage using plastic stents, 1 patient underwent using metal stent, and 1 patient had aspiration of the abscess. Technical success was achieved in all patients. One patient succumbed to background illness and clinical success could be achieved in rest of the patients. In systemic review of literature on EUS-guided drainage of caudate lobe, a total of 10 studies (17 patients) were included. All patients achieved technical success. Majority studies reported use of plastic stents or naso-cystic drains whereas only 1 case reported use of metal stents. One procedure related complication (localized para-esophageal abscess) was reported requiring endoscopic intervention for management.

EUS-guided drainage of caudate lobe abscess is safe and effective. It should be used as a first-line intervention after a failed medical management.