Pyogenic liver abscess: a study of forty-four cases in two centres

44 patients with pyogenic liver abscess, 22 each from Leicester, UK, and Göteborg, Sweden, presenting between 1972 and 1980 have been reviewed. 29 patients were diagnosed prior to specific treatment with 3 deaths (10%); 15 patients were first discovered at autopsy resulting in an overall mortality of 41%. The presentation, pathogenesis, and treatment are discussed in detail. It is concluded that the continuing high mortality of this condition largely relates to the difficulty in establishing the diagnosis. Reduced morbidity (and perhaps mortality) might be achieved with wider use of percutaneous methods of drainage.

The effect of surgical operation upon monocytes

The effect of surgical operation upon monocyte numbers and function was studied in patients with both benign and malignant disease. In patients with benign disease a significant increase in the phagocytosis of 99Tc latex-labelled particles by monocytes was observed at 24 h postoperatively (P less than 0.01 compared with preoperatively) and also a significant increase in monocyte numbers (P less than 0.001 compared with preoperatively). In patients undergoing surgery for malignant disease no significant increase in phagocytic activity of monocytes was found postoperatively. A significant decrease in monocyte numbers was shown to follow surgery in this group (P less than 0.001). The implications of these findings are discussed.