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 .
Indications for aspiration of amoebic liver abscess.
A two-part study was undertaken to determine whether aspiration of amoebic liver abscess ( ALA ) prevents complications .  Eighty patients studied prospect ively were r and omised into aspiration or non-aspiration groups and were treated with metronidazole . Common factors in patients with complicated diseases were determined to formulate and test indications for aspiration . Records of all patients with ALA admitted to King Edward VIII Hospital , Durban , between October 1983 and December 1984 were analysed to test the validity of the criteria derived from the first part of the study . The findings suggest that aspiration influences the course and outcome of ALA and that the criteria are valid although not necessarily complete
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 .