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A liver abscess is an accumulation of pus that collects within the liver. It is a complication of a bacterial infection and can cause severe pain and discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen. The most common cause of a liver abscess is a bacterial infection that invades the liver, most often from the bile ducts, intestines, or lungs. Bacterial infections can occur due to several causes, including the spread of bacteria from an infection elsewhere in the body, a blockage in the bile ducts, or an injury to the liver. Other causes of liver abscesses include parasites, fungal infections, or tumours obstructing bile ducts. Symptoms of a liver abscess may consist of fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. In some cases, the abscess may lead to jaundice and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Diagnosis of a liver abscess is typically made through imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, which will show the size and location of the abscess.
Pre-procedure
A liver abscess is a pocket of infection in the liver caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Pre-procedure for liver abscesses typically includes a complete physical exam, diet and lifestyle modifications, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other tests that your doctor may deem necessary.
Your doctor during liver abscess surgery in Bangalore will likely check your medical history and perform a physical examination, including an abdominal exam. They may also order blood tests to check for signs of infection and determine the type of bacteria or other microorganisms causing the abscess. Imaging tests such as an abdominal CT scan or an ultrasound can also be used to visualize the abscess and evaluate the surrounding organs.
Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of infection and improve overall health. This may include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, following a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help fight the infection. These medications may be taken in pill form or through an intravenous (IV) line.
Procedure
The procedure for treating a liver abscess will depend on the size and location of the abscess and the patient’s overall health.
The most common treatment for a liver abscess is percutaneous drainage. This procedure involves using a catheter to drain the pus from the abscess. An ultrasound or CT scan will guide the catheter into the abscess. Once the catheter is in the right position, the pus will be drained. The catheter may be left for a few days to allow additional drainage.
In some cases, a liver abscess may need to be surgically drained. This procedure is usually recommended for large abscesses or those not responding to percutaneous drainage. The surgeon will make a small incision in the abdomen to access the abscess during the procedure. The pus will then be drained, and the abscess will be flushed with a sterile saline solution.
In addition to draining the abscess, antibiotics will be prescribed to treat any underlying infection. The antibiotics may be given intravenously or orally, depending on the severity of the infection.
Post-procedure
Post-procedure for a liver abscess involves a period of recovery and monitoring. The patient will be monitored for signs of complications such as bleeding, infection, and sepsis. During this period, the patient will receive antibiotics to prevent further infections. The patient’s diet will be monitored to ensure that they receive proper nutrition. Sometimes, the patient may be prescribed anticoagulants to reduce the risk of clotting.
The patient may also be advised to rest and avoid strenuous activity. Pain medications may be prescribed to reduce discomfort. The patient should also be monitored for fever, chills, and other signs of infection.
Once the patient has recovered, they may be advised to have periodic checkups with their doctor. This is to ensure that the infection does not return. The patient should also be aware of the potential for recurrence.
The patient needs to follow the doctor’s instructions and take the necessary precautions to prevent the infection from coming back. This includes avoiding contact with contaminated objects, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Consult with the gastro doctors to get liver treatment in Bangalore.
