Written and medically reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD, General SurgeryLast updated:
Liver Disease — Liver Abscess
Pus collection — fever and right-upper pain
A liver abscess is a pocket of pus in the liver—pyogenic (bacterial) or amebic. Typical features: fever, right-upper-quadrant pain, and malaise. Diagnosis uses ultrasound or CT; treatment is antibiotics ± drainage or surgery.
Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Figure summary
This educational figure shows: Liver abscess.
Key points
- Key note inside
Symptoms
Fever, chills, right-upper pain, poor appetite; pain may radiate to the shoulder. Inflammatory markers rise in blood tests.
Diagnosis
Ultrasound or CT shows the collection. Blood and abscess cultures guide antibiotics. Amebic disease may need serology or stool studies.
Treatment
Small abscesses may trial antibiotics alone; most need percutaneous drainage plus antibiotics. Rupture or failure may require surgery.
Finding the source
Biliary infection, intra-abdominal focus, prior procedures, or hematogenous spread are searched. Unexplained Klebsiella or Streptococcus gallolyticus may prompt evaluation for accompanying conditions.
More chapters in this hub
Liver Cysts
Simple vs complex cysts — when observation is enough
Hydatid Cyst
Echinococcosis — albendazole, PAIR, and surgery
Liver Disease Diagnosis
How clinicians confirm the problem and stage the next steps
Liver Tumors
Tumors — explained for shared decision-making
Colorectal liver metastases
When colon or rectal cancer has spread to the liver
Liver Disease Treatment
How treatment options are matched to risk, stage, and goals
Fatty Liver Disease
MASLD / MASH (formerly NAFLD / NASH) and metabolic risk
Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis B and C — chronic care
FNH and Adenoma
Benign solid liver lesions
Liver Hemangioma
Common benign vascular tumor
Cirrhosis
Chronic injury and complications
Variceal Bleeding
Portal hypertension emergency
Appointment / info
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026 · English patient-education chapter.