Anyone can get a liver abscess. The condition can be caused by infections spread directly from nearby structures, such as the bile-draining tubes, from the appendix or intestines, or carried in the bloodstream from more distant parts of the body. A liver abscess can also develop as a result of surgery or other trauma to the liver.
The most common type of liver abscess is caused by bacterial or parasitic infection. Bacterial liver abscess is often called pyogenic liver abscess. Microscopic organisms called amebas, which cause the intestinal disorder amebic dysentery, can also cause amebic liver abscess.
What causes a liver abscess?
Anyone can get a liver abscess. The condition can be caused by infections in the blood, gastrointestinal system, or abdomen. It can also be caused by injury from a surgical procedure or other trauma to the liver.
Infectious causes of a liver abscess
Liver abscess may result from the following infectious causes:
- Bacterial infection in the bile-draining tubes
- Bacterial infections in the abdomen associated with appendicitis, diverticulitis, or perforated bowel
- Bloodstream infections
- Entamoeba histolytica infection (organism that also causes amebic dysentery; may be spread through water or through person-to-person contact),
How is a liver abscess treated?
Liver abscess is treated with both medications and surgical drainage. If you have amebic liver abscess, after the liver infection is cured, you will probably be prescribed another drug to kill any amebas remaining in the intestines so as to prevent recurrence of the abscess.
Surgical treatment of liver abscess is necessary in many cases to drain the abscess with a needle or small tube inserted through the abdomen. This surgical procedure is called laparoscopic or percutaneous drainage and aspiration.
