PERCUTANEOUS CATHETER DRAINAGE VERSUS NEEDLE ASPIRATION IN LIVER ABSCESS TREATMENT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Dr. Falak Naaz*, Ch. Rahul, B. Sridhar, A. Jaswanth, K. Thirupathi Rao and Md. Parveen

Background: Liver abscess remains a significant health concern in developing countries, often resulting in high morbidity and potential mortality. Two widely accepted minimally invasive approaches—Percutaneous Catheter Drainage (PCD) and Percutaneous Needle Aspiration (PNA)—have been used extensively, yet clinical consensus on their relative effectiveness remains debatable. Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes, complication rates, hospital stay duration, and recurrence rates of PCD and PNA in patients diagnosed with liver abscesses. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital over 18 months, enrolling 100 patients diagnosed with liver abscesses via ultrasound and/or CT. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group A (PCD, n=50) and Group B (PNA, n=50). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly applied. Variables assessed included resolution time, abscess size reduction, hospital stay, and procedural complications. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results: The mean duration for abscess resolution was significantly shorter in the PCD group (8.6 ± 2.3 days) compared to the PNA group (12.4 ± 3.1 days) (p<0.01). Complication rates were lower in the PCD group (10%) versus the PNA group (22%). The average hospital stay was also significantly reduced in the PCD group. Conclusion: PCD is more effective than PNA in managing liver abscesses in terms of quicker resolution, fewer complications, and shorter hospitalization. It should be considered the first-line intervention in appropriately selected cases.