HEPATIC ABSCESSES

Eleven cases of pyogenic and amebic hepatic abscesses are presented to acknowledge that clinical suspicion, early diagnosis, antiamebic therapy, and adequate surgical drainage can significantly lower the high mortality and morbidity of this disease. Anteroposterior and lateral liver photoscans have been the most significant adjunct to early diagnosis and localization of the suspected hepatic abscess. The primary mode of therapy for pyogenic abscesses and for amebic abscesses unresponsive to vigorous medical therapy is prompt surgical drainage, preferably through an anterior transperitoneal approach. © 1969.