Amebic liver abscess: changing trends over 20 years

Amebiasis and amebic liver abscess (ALA) continue to be a major fatal disease in developing countries where unhygienic environmental conditions prevail. Between January 1975 and December 1984 there were 60 patients and from January 1985 to December 1994 there were 44 patients with ALA who were diagnosed and treated. In the first group, all patients were operated on, and drainage was performed. The morbidity and mortality rates were 53.3% and 23.3%, respectively. Metronidazole was given to all patients in the second group, and in those who did not respond to the metronidazole percutaneous needle aspiration was applied. Surgical treatment was performed in seven patients because four did not respond to metronidazole therapy and percutaneous needle aspiration, and in three the abscess ruptured into the peritoneal cavity. The lesion disappeared ultrasonographically after 4 months in all patients. The morbidity and mortality rates were 4.5% and 2.2%, respectively. The result of this study suggests that uncomplicated ALA can be managed conservatively with metronidazole and needle aspiration of the abscess. Operative therapy should be performed for complications of the abscess and when conservative therapy fails.