Liver abscesses
Hepatic abscesses
Liver abscesses are pus-filled sacs containing blood, dead cells and germs that develop after infections in the body
About
Need to know
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Symptoms of liver abscesses icon plus
The inflammation and swelling that indicates a liver abscess may cause pain on the right upper part of your abdomen. This could impact your breathing too, sometimes causing a dry cough and pain when you take a deep breath in.
As a liver abscess is often caused by bacterial infection, you may also notice symptoms including:- fever with night sweats and shaking chills
- feeling unwell
- loss of appetite and even anorexia
- weight loss
- nausea and vomiting
- jaundice, although usually at a later stage
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Diagnosis icon plus
To confirm a diagnosis of liver abscess, your consultant may recommend blood tests and an analysis of small amounts of fluid from inside the abscess, taken out using ultrasound guidance. CT or MRI scanning may also be used in combination. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
An untreated liver abscess, like an abscess anywhere in the body, can cause further complications.
The first course of action in treating liver abscesses is usually with antibiotics. These may be administered intravenously and often require hospitalisation. Treatment courses usually run for many weeks and repeat scanning may be required to confirm improvement of the abscess.
If antibiotics alone are not effective then your consultant may recommend drainage of the abscess. This is often done using a catheter, guided by either ultrasound or CT imaging.
In more extreme cases, for instance where the abscess has ruptured, open surgery may be needed.
Our consultants
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Wellington Liver & HPB Unit
The Wellington Liver & HPB Unit
North Building, Circus Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 6DP
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The HPB Unit
The Princess Grace Hospital
42–52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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London Liver Centre
4th Floor, Emblem House
27 Tooley Street
London SE1 2PR
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344