Percutaneous aspiration versus open drainage of liver abscess in children.

Liver abscess, though a very grave problem, is rarely seen in infancy and childhood. Affected children are usually immunocompromised and are of poor socioeconomic status. Although liver abscess due to wandering ascarids is rare outside, it is common complication among children of Kashmir. Usual site of abscess is the right lobe of the liver and USG and CT of the abdomen are the main tools of diagnosis. The study was conducted over a period of 10 years from January 1991 to December 2000 and total of 129 cases were studied in the age group of 0-14 years. Diagnosis was made by a detailed clinical examination together with USG and CT of the abdomen. Out of 129 cases, 49 were treated with antibiotics alone, 55 cases were taken for open drainage, and 27 cases were taken for percutaneous aspiration under USG guidance. Percutaneous aspiration failed in five patients who were later taken for open drainage. Open method was found still to be the best modality of management, although percutaneous aspiration is safe and effective but needs lot of expertise.