Laparoscopic drainage of pyogenic liver abscesses

Purpose. To report our experience of performing laparoscopic drainage of liver abscesses in patients who failed to respond to conservative treatment. Methods. We retrospectively compared the results and complications of 18 patients who underwent laparoscopic liver abscess drainage with those of 5 patients who underwent open drainage between June 1999 and October 2002. Results. The operation times were shorter and oral intake was recommenced earlier in the laparoscopic group, which also tended to have less blood loss and shorter hospitalization. One case of recurrence, which developed 1 month postoperatively, was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage. There was no mortality in either group. Conclusion. Laparoscopic drainage of liver abscesses, combined with intravenous antibiotics, is a safe alternative for patients requiring surgical drainage when medical treatment has failed.