[Diagnosis and treatment of liver abscesses]

The results of the diagnosis, the clinical picture, and the treatment of hepatic abscesses in 68 patients are analysed. Ultrasonic examination plays an essential role in the diagnosis of the disease. Percutaneous transhepatic puncture with aspiration of the contents of the hepatic abscess was conducted in 17 patients under control of ultrasonic study. Sixteen of these patients recovered without a surgical intervention. A laser scalpel was used in 39 patients with quite encouraging results. It is concluded that puncture drainage of hepatic abscesses and operations with the use of the laser techniques are promising methods.