Cut it out: Managing hepatic abscesses in patients with chronic granulomatous disease

Li Ern Chen, Robert K. Minkes, Penelope G. Shackelford, Steven M. Strasberg, Elbert Y. Kuo, Jacob C. Langer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Hepatic abscesses develop in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) because the liver is a site of constant bacterial challenge. The authors investigated the roles of drainage and hepatic resection in the management of liver abscesses in CGD patients. Methods: Medical records of CGD patients with hepatic abscesses from 1990 to 2001 were reviewed. Results: There were 6 patients. Mean age of initial abscess was 7.2 years (range, 3 weeks to 18.9 years). All abscesses involved the right lobe of the liver (2 single, 4 multiple). All patients received appropriate antibiotics. Four patients were treated with one to 6 drainage procedures over one to 4 admissions before ultimately undergoing resection. The other 2 patients underwent primary resection without preliminary drainage. Of the 6 resections, 4 were nonanatomic, and 2 were anatomic. There was one major postoperative complication (bleeding) requiring reoperation. There were no recurrences after resection (mean follow-up 4.3 yr). Mean total days in hospital for the treatment of liver abscess was 49 in the preliminary drainage group and 8.5 in the primary resection group. Three patients required admission into the intensive care unit, one after a drainage procedure and 2 after resection. Conclusions: For CGD patients with hepatic abscesses, drainage procedures are associated with recurrence and prolonged hospitalization. Primary hepatic resection removing all involved tissue is safe and definitive for the management of this problem.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)709-713
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery
Volume38
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2003

Keywords

  • Chronic granulomatous disease
  • Hepatic abscess
  • Hepatic resection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cut it out: Managing hepatic abscesses in patients with chronic granulomatous disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this