A Comprehensive Study on Ruptured Liver Abscess in a Tertiary Care Center

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Surgical Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Liver abscesses (LAs) can rupture, leading to fatal outcomes.
• Clinical presentation includes jaundice, abdominal pain, and non-specific symptoms like fever and weakness.
• Male sex and alcohol consumption are common risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors of surgery and preoperative perforation in ruptured liver abscesses.
• To analyze factors associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 115 patients with ruptured LA diagnosed by ultrasound.
• Analysis of clinical features, hematological/biochemical profiles, imaging, and treatment outcomes.
• Correlation of patient data with surgical intervention and perforation predictors.

Main Results:

• 88% of patients were male; abdominal pain and tenderness were most common symptoms.
• Surgery (laparotomy) was performed in 42 patients, percutaneous drainage in 52, and ICD in 19.
• Mortality was 20% overall, with higher rates in surgically treated patients and those with large bowel perforations.

Conclusions:

• Surgery for ruptured LA, while increasing morbidity, is a potentially lifesaving intervention.
• Loose stools, alcohol/smoking, and low albumin levels are associated with surgical drainage and higher mortality risk.