There was no significant difference in relation to the resolution of fever , abscess size , and hospital stay .
The beneficial effects of PA were seen with medium-to-large ( > 5 cm ) ALA and not with small ( < 5 cm ) ALA .
Percutaneous aspiration as compared with metronidazole alone results in the early resolution of pain and tenderness in patients with medium-to-large ALA .
Percutaneous catheter drainage is better for larger ALA .
The role of metronidazole alone , percutaneous aspiration ( PA ) , and percutaneous catheter drainage ( PCD ) in the treatment of uncomplicated amebic liver abscess ( ALA ) is still unclear .
This systematic review and meta- analysis evaluated the available evidence s with regard to treatment modalities in such patients .
Needle aspiration of amoebic liver abscess.
OBJECTIVE --To determine the value of needle aspiration in uncomplicated amoebic liver abscess . DESIGN --R and omised case-control study with a minimum follow up of one year , comparing patients treated with drugs alone with those treated with additional needle aspiration . SETTING --Referral based gastroenterology clinic . PATIENTS --39 Consecutive patients with amoebic liver abscess in the right lobe , of whom 37 completed the study . INTERVENTION -- Metronidazole 2.4 g/day was given to all patients for 10 days . Needle aspiration of the abscess was performed in 19 patients on the day of admission to hospital . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES --Abdominal pain , fever , anorexia , and hepatomegaly were measured . Erythrocyte sedimentation rate , serum aspartate , and alanine aminotransferase activities , and alkaline phosphatase activity were also measured . RESULTS -- Clinical improvement was similar in both groups of patients . Improvement in haematological and biochemical variables and rates of healing of cavities were also similar . CONCLUSIONS --Chemotherapy with potent tissue amoebicidal drugs such as metronidazole is optimally effective in treating amoebic liver abscess , and in uncomplicated cases routine aspiration is not required
There was no significant difference in relation to the resolution of fever , abscess size , and hospital stay .
The beneficial effects of PA were seen with medium-to-large ( > 5 cm ) ALA and not with small ( < 5 cm ) ALA .
Percutaneous aspiration as compared with metronidazole alone results in the early resolution of pain and tenderness in patients with medium-to-large ALA .
Percutaneous catheter drainage is better for larger ALA .
The role of metronidazole alone , percutaneous aspiration ( PA ) , and percutaneous catheter drainage ( PCD ) in the treatment of uncomplicated amebic liver abscess ( ALA ) is still unclear .
This systematic review and meta- analysis evaluated the available evidence s with regard to treatment modalities in such patients .