Is Percutaneous Aspiration Better Than Catheter Drainage In Liver Abscess? A Randomized Control Trial

Background: To compare the efficacy of percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) and percutaneous needle aspiration (PNA) in the management of liver abscess > 6 cm in diameter. Methods: Fifty patients were included in this comparative study. Computer generated randomization was done by double blind trial and the patients were divided into two groups, 25 patients in each PCD and PNA group respectively. Comparison of effectiveness was done between the two groups in terms of duration of hospital stay, time to achieve clinical improvement, duration of intravenous antibiotics needed, reduction in the size of abscess cavity and total /near total resolution of abscess cavity. Results: Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) was found to be superior then percutaneous needle aspiration in terms of duration of hospital stay, clinical recovery, reduction in abscess cavity size/ volume and duration for intravenous antibiotics. Conclusion: Percutaneous catheter drainage is better option as compared to percutaneous needle aspiration especially for large abscesses which are partially liquefied or with thick pus.