Comparative Effectiveness of Conservative Management, Pigtail Catheter Placement, Percutaneous Drainage, and Laparotomy in Patients with Liver Abscesses: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Sarvagya Jha, Jaydeep Maheshwari and Hemang Panchal

Department of Surgery, GMERS Medical College & Hospital, Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

^*Correspondance to: Sarvagya Jha 

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Abstract:

Liver abscesses represent a significant clinical challenge due to their potential for severe complications if not managed promptly. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the outcomes of four treatment modalities—conservative management, percutaneous drainage, pigtail catheter placement, and laparotomy—based on abscess size, patient age, and sex. A total of 100 patients treated between 2020 and 2024 at a tertiary care hospital were analyzed, with equal distribution across the four treatment groups. The study found that percutaneous drainage and pigtail catheter placement were significantly more effective than laparotomy and conservative therapy, particularly for abscesses measuring 5–10 cm. Conservative management was suitable for abscesses <5 cm but showed increased morbidity in larger lesions. Laparotomy, reserved for refractory or >10 cm abscesses, had the highest complication rate and length of stay. Advanced age (≥60 years), male sex, and larger abscess size (>10 cm) were associated with poorer outcomes, underscoring the importance of early, individualized treatment planning. These findings support a preference for minimally invasive approaches in managing liver abscesses, tailored to specific patient and disease characteristics.

Keywords:

Liver abscess; Percutaneous drainage; Pigtail catheter; Laparotomy; Conservative management; Abscess size

Cite the Article:

Jha S, Maheshwari J, Panchal H. Comparative Effectiveness of Conservative Management, Pigtail Catheter Placement, Percutaneous Drainage, and Laparotomy in Patients with Liver Abscesses: A Retrospective Cohort Study. World J Surg Surgical Res. 2025; 8: 1603..